Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together tender shrimp, garlic, butter, and a bright hint of lemon for a rich, silky sauce you'll want to savor. This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but still impressively flavorful. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, it's the kind of dish that feels special without fuss.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe strikes a perfect balance between quick, easy prep and deep, satisfying flavors. You'll get garlicky, buttery sauce that clings beautifully to plump, tender shrimp, all brightened with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest.
- Consistent Texture: Cooking shrimp just right ensures each bite is juicy and tender, never rubbery.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: Combining butter, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a sauce that's rich but never heavy.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together with just a few fresh add-ins, making this recipe accessible anytime.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: From start to finish in about 30 minutes, it's a reliable weeknight winner.
Ingredient Game Plan
I always recommend starting with the freshest shrimp you can find-wild-caught if available. High-quality olive oil and real unsalted butter contribute fantastic depth, so don't skimp there. Fresh garlic and parsley bring brightness and fragrance that canned or dried just can't match.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined shrimp give a great balance of size and tenderness. Avoid pre-seasoned or breaded for best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Control the salt level and achieve a clean, creamy sauce taste.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for flavor, but a good quality regular olive oil will work if that's what you have.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most vibrant aroma and flavor-jarred garlic just won't cut it here.
- Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note that lifts every bite.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Begin by thawing your shrimp if frozen, then give them a quick rinse under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels-this step is crucial to getting a nice sear later. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to season evenly. This simple prep helps develop that golden, slightly crisp edge you love.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Heat the olive oil and half the butter over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing just about 1 minute until fragrant-not browned. This gentle start lets that toasty, savory garlic aroma fill the kitchen. Then, crank the heat to medium-high and add your shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before flipping, seasoning again lightly. You're aiming for that perfect pink hue and opaque flesh.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer-this deglazes the pan and infuses the shrimp with moisture. After about 2 minutes, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and a touch of zest to brighten the rich sauce. Finally, add the remaining butter to melt into the silky sauce, stirring until combined. You'll notice the sauce coating the shrimp with a glossy, buttery finish. Avoid overcooking here; the shrimp should still feel tender and springy to the touch.
Pro Moves I Swear By
From my experience, the key to outstanding shrimp scampi lies in timing and quality ingredients. I've learned the hard way that rushing the shrimp or using garlic that's not fresh dulls the whole dish. Keep things simple and focused on technique for consistent results you'll love.
- Doneness Cue: Shrimp will curl slightly and turn opaque, but don't wait until they're stiff or bright white; pull them off the heat early for tender bites.
- Temperature Trick: Use a medium-high heat so you get a quick sear without steaming the shrimp.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prep the garlic and parsley ahead so you're not scrambling once the pan is hot.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't overcrowd the pan; cooking shrimp in batches ensures they brown nicely instead of steaming.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I like to sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley right at the end for that burst of color and herbal freshness. A final twist of lemon juice just before serving brings vibrancy and balances the richness perfectly-don't skip it! You can also grate a bit of Parmesan for a subtle umami boost if you're feeling indulgent.
Great Pairings
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs beautifully with al dente pasta-linguine or spaghetti are my go-tos. For contrast, a crisp green salad or lightly steamed broccoli adds texture and freshness. Crusty bread is also a must for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Easy Plating Wins
For casual dinners, twirl the pasta onto the plate and top with shrimp and sauce. For something special, try layering the shrimp on a bed of pasta arranged in a neat nest, then garnish with a parsley sprig and a lemon wedge on the side. A little sprinkled red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper adds a polished look.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp texture softens a bit over time, so try to enjoy it soon for the best experience. Keep the sauce separate if you plan to reheat a later, but if mixed, add a splash of water or broth to keep it saucy.
Freezer Notes
I don't usually recommend freezing shrimp scampi because the shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce separates. But if you must, freeze it without pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Drying Out
Reheat shrimp scampi gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. In a microwave, cover loosely with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid high heat to prevent the shrimp from toughening. An air fryer isn't ideal here, but 300°F for a couple of minutes can work in a pinch if you monitor closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can steam rather than sauté the shrimp.
Traditional choices like linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair work beautifully as they hold the sauce nicely without overpowering the shrimp.
Sauté garlic over medium heat just until fragrant-usually about 1 minute-and watch closely. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.
Absolutely! Replace the butter with extra olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is one of those dishes I return to whenever I need a fuss-free dinner that feels special. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll get that perfect garlicky, buttery sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked shrimp every time. I hope you find as much joy in serving it as I do eating it!
PrintComplete Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Recipe
A classic Shrimp Scampi recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp if frozen, rinse under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, warm olive oil and half of the butter (2 tablespoons) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with additional salt and pepper, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Add Broth and Finish Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then add the remaining butter, stirring until melted and combined.
- Toss with Pasta and Parsley: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier cooking and eating.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for milder flavor.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or white wine for extra depth.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help emulsify the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their best texture.
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