Shrimp Scampi is a classic, elegant dish that’s quick and easy to make. The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and a touch of lemon makes it a perfectly flavorful dish that can be served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat for seafood lovers.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving (without pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
3. Add Lemon and Butter:
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the cubed butter to the pan. Whisk the sauce until the butter is fully melted and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until well coated. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve:
Serve the shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Toss with linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a traditional pasta dish.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of toasted baguette to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Herb Boost: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or basil for extra flavor in the sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Sauté spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus with the garlic for added color and nutrition.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or wine to keep the sauce from drying out.
This Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate blend of flavors: garlicky, buttery, and tangy with a hint of spice. Quick to prepare, yet indulgent enough for any special occasion!
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Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is a classic, elegant dish that’s quick and easy to make. The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and a touch of lemon makes it a perfectly flavorful dish that can be served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat for seafood lovers.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
3. Add Lemon and Butter:
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the cubed butter to the pan. Whisk the sauce until the butter is fully melted and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until well coated. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve:
Serve the shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Herb Boost: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or basil for extra flavor in the sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Sauté spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus with the garlic for added color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 kcal per serving (without pasta)