Description
Classic Shrimp Scampi is a quick and easy seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with white wine and lemon. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Pasta (If Using): Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer and reduce by half (about 2 minutes).
- Add Lemon and Butter: Stir in lemon juice, zest, and remaining butter until melted.
- Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the pan, tossing in sauce. Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with pasta or bread.
Notes
- Garlic-Lover’s Scampi: Add extra garlic for a bolder taste.
- Creamy Scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace wine with chicken broth or seafood stock.
- Extra Vegetables: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, seafood pasta, Italian shrimp dish