Shrimp Scampi is a tasty dish filled with juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and lemon. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner!
It’s always a hit when I serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using large shrimp for this dish gives the best texture. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp work well too—just thaw them first. You can also use scallops or even chicken instead if you prefer a different protein.
Pasta: Linguine is a classic choice for Shrimp Scampi, but feel free to swap with spaghetti or fettuccine. If you’re avoiding gluten, gluten-free pasta is a great alternative. Cooking the pasta al dente gives a nice bite!
Butter & Olive Oil: I love using a mix of butter and olive oil for flavor and richness. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use a non-dairy butter substitute. Just the olive oil works fine too, but you might miss out on that butter flavor.
White Wine: Dry white wine adds great depth. If you don’t have any, chicken broth is a perfect alternative. Just remember, it won’t have the same acidity, so a splash of vinegar or extra lemon juice might help!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and flavor. If you’re out, try basil or even a bit of cilantro for a different twist. Dried herbs can be used too, but fresh is always best!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Shrimp Every Time?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key to a successful Shrimp Scampi. You want them cooked just until they’re pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so keep an eye on them!
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and olive oil together—this gives nice flavor.
- Add the garlic, letting it get fragrant but not brown, since burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before flipping.
- Once they’re pink on both sides, they’re done! Remove from the heat quickly to avoid overcooking.
Always remember, shrimp cook fast, so keep that skillet ready and your eyes peeled. Enjoy your Shrimp Scampi! It’s a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total—about 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of heat. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t start to brown.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to add the shrimp to your skillet. Place them in a single layer and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are pink and opaque on one side. Then, flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re fully cooked through. Remember not to overcrowd the shrimp – if your skillet is too small, cook them in batches!
4. Create the Sauce:
Once the shrimp are done, pour in your dry white wine or chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to get any flavorful bits that have stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and to bring those flavors together.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Now, stir in the lemon juice, optional lemon zest, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and the chopped parsley. Give everything a good mix, then season with salt and pepper to your taste. The sauce will be rich and fragrant!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the lovely sauce. If it feels dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired sauciness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Shrimp Scampi immediately. You can garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices for an extra touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!
There’s nothing quite like a plate of Shrimp Scampi to warm your heart and satisfy your tastebuds. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth works great as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, use vegetable broth or even a splash of white grape juice mixed with a bit of vinegar for acidity!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re set to serve!
