Recipe: Flavorful & Easy Shrimp Scampi

Introduction

Looking for a delicious seafood dish that’s quick, elegant, and packed with flavor? Look no further than Shrimp Scampi—a classic Italian-American recipe featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce, usually served over pasta.

The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.

🍤 Ingredients

Serves 4

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)

To Serve:

• 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

🍝 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown!

4️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp and set aside.

5️⃣ Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.

6️⃣ Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the pan. Toss in the cooked pasta and parsley. Mix until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

💡 Tips & Variations

• No Wine? Use low-sodium chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
• Make It Keto: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

✅ Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick & Easy – Ready in 25–30 minutes
• Full of Flavor – Garlicky, buttery, and zesty
• Impressively Elegant – Perfect for date night or dinner guests
• Customizable – Easy to adapt to your taste and pantry

🍽️ Final Thoughts

Shrimp Scampi is a classic for good reason—it’s fast, flavorful, and fancy enough for special occasions. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table in no time.

So grab a skillet, pour a glass of wine, and let’s get scampi-ing! 🍋🦐