What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade shrimp scampi recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. It brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
- You’ll love how quickly it comes together—ready in under 30 minutes for those busy evenings.
- The garlicky, buttery sauce is so delicious, you’ll want to lick the plate clean (we won’t judge!).
- It’s versatile, pairing beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipe
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with garlic, butter, and white wine, served over pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. This recipe is simple to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use shrimp with the shells on and remove them after cooking.
- Substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Equipment
Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Colander
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine
Italian-American
Serving
4 servings
Nutrition
Shrimp scampi is a flavorful dish that offers a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
What To Serve With It
Shrimp scampi pairs perfectly with pasta, especially linguine or angel hair, since the buttery sauce clings to every strand. If you want something lighter, try serving it with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky goodness or a simple green salad for freshness. I love adding roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach on the side—it balances the richness while keeping the meal easy and satisfying.
Pasta Pairings
When I’m planning a meal around shrimp scampi, I always think about what kind of pasta will complement the dish perfectly. My go-to is linguine because its flat shape holds onto the buttery garlic sauce so well. Sometimes I switch it up with angel hair for a lighter feel, or fettuccine for a slightly thicker bite. If I’m feeling adventurous, spaghetti works just fine too. I stay away from heavy pastas like penne or rigatoni, since they can overpower the delicate shrimp. No matter what I choose, I make sure to cook it al dente—it’s the key to a perfect pairing every time.
Side Dishes
Choosing the right side dishes to serve with shrimp scampi can elevate the meal from good to unforgettable. I always go for a fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Garlic bread is a no-brainer—it soaks up all that delicious sauce and adds a comforting crunch. Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts bring a healthy, flavorful touch that complements the shrimp perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll even toss in a side of lemon wedges for extra zing. These pairings make the dish feel complete, and my guests always leave asking for seconds!
