Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi is one of those timeless dishes that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a luscious garlic butter and white wine sauce, finished with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Traditionally served over pasta, it’s the ultimate combination of richness and brightness in a single dish.

This recipe has roots in Italian-American cuisine and has been loved for decades because of its simple preparation and irresistible taste. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it as the star of a special occasion, Shrimp Scampi is guaranteed to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and elegant. In under 30 minutes, you can make a dish that tastes restaurant-quality. The garlic butter gives richness, the white wine adds depth, and the lemon balances everything with freshness.

It’s also incredibly versatile—you can serve it over pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or even with rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. I also love how it works for both casual family dinners and more formal entertaining.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Restaurant-worthy flavors – But made at home, with simple pantry ingredients.
• Customizable – Serve with pasta, rice, or bread.
• Healthy yet indulgent – Protein-rich shrimp in a flavorful but light sauce.

If you’ve never made shrimp scampi at home, this recipe proves how simple and rewarding it is.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving (served over pasta)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus wedges for serving)
• Zest of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair pasta (optional, for serving)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions if serving with noodles. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up brown bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then return shrimp to the pan. Toss to coat.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Add pasta and a splash of pasta water if serving together.
8. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep the shrimp – Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Cook pasta (if using) – Set aside with some pasta water.
3. Sauté garlic – Melt butter with olive oil, cook garlic until fragrant.
4. Cook shrimp – Quick sear until pink, then remove.
5. Make sauce – Deglaze with wine, reduce slightly, add lemon juice and zest.
6. Combine – Return shrimp, toss with parsley, pasta, or bread.
7. Serve hot – Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.

How to Serve

• Over pasta (classic way).
• With toasted garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
• With rice or mashed potatoes.
• For a lighter version, serve with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook very quickly.
• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled, for the best flavor.
• If you don’t want to use wine, replace it with chicken broth.
• Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.

Variations

• Creamy Shrimp Scampi – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for richness.
• Herbed Version – Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Scampi – Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
• Low-Carb Scampi – Skip pasta and serve with veggies.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp tend to become rubbery after thawing.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water—avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot (if serving with pasta)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Lemon zester (optional, for added brightness)

Conclusion

Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the perfect example of a recipe that’s both quick and luxurious. With minimal ingredients, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor, elegance, and freshness. The garlic butter, white wine, and lemon sauce elevates the shrimp beautifully, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether for a busy weeknight or a romantic dinner, this shrimp scampi proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.