Easy Shrimp Scampi

Name: Easy Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 box (16 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined); 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ? cup white wine; 1 lemon (juiced and zested); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

The dish is typically made with large, juicy shrimp that are cooked with garlic, lemon juice, white wine, and butter, resulting in a deliciously rich and flavorful sauce.

shrimp pasta with linguine, red pepper flakes, herbs, and lemon slices in a bowl with a fork in it

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

a hand touching a bowl with shrimp pasta with linguine, red pepper flakes, herbs, and lemon slices

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Scampi is a dish that is both simple to make and elegant to serve, making it a perfect option for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Shrimp scampi is often garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, and can be served with a variety of side dishes, including pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

shrimp pasta with linguine, red pepper flakes, herbs, and lemon slices in a bowl

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:

Pasta: Provides the base for the dish and adds a chewy texture that complements the tender shrimp and creamy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish and helps to sauté the shrimp.
Shrimp: Brings a sweet, tender flavor and meaty texture to the dish. It is the star ingredient of the dish.
Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the dish, and helps to thicken the sauce.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the shrimp and the acidity of the lemon juice.
White wine: Adds a bright, acidic flavor that balances the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the shrimp.
Lemon juice and zest: Adds a tart, tangy flavor that complements the shrimp and adds a bright freshness to the dish.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the shrimp and adds complexity to the dish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the shrimp and brightens up the dish. It is also used as a garnish to add a pop of color to the plate.

shrimp, lemon, oil, butter, wine, herbs, pasta, garlic, red pepper flakes on a table

shrimp in a scampi butter sauce in a large pan

shrimp and pasta in a pan in butter and wine sauce

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:

Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
Cook shrimp: In a large high sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and sprinkle them lightly with kosher salt. Add the shrimp to the olive oil and sear it for 2 minutes on the first side, or until lightly browned. Flip the shrimp and cook it for an additional minute on the second side.
Make sauce: To the pan, add the butter and garlic and stir until the butter has melted. Add the white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then add the pasta. Stir to combine. If the sauce is too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss to combine.
Serve: Remove the scampi from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Cook the pasta al dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just right to have a perfect texture.

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Always try to use fresh ingredients and high-quality shrimp for better taste and texture.

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery.

Use a large skillet: A large skillet can help cook the shrimp evenly without overcrowding the pan.

Add more garlic and butter: If you love garlic and butter, feel free to add more to your liking to make the dish even more flavorful.

Add lemon zest and parsley at the end: Lemon zest and parsley can bring fresh flavor and color to the dish. Add them right before serving for the best taste and presentation.

Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread: Shrimp scampi is a delicious dish that can be served with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

FAQs

Spaghetti, linguine, and angel hair pasta are the most commonly used pastas for shrimp scampi. They all have a thin and delicate texture that complements the lightness of the dish.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it is important to properly thaw them before cooking. Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.

Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken or vegetable broth or even lemon juice. However, white wine adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.

To devein shrimp, use a sharp paring knife or kitchen shears to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp. Remove the dark vein with the tip of the knife or your fingers.

Shrimp cook very quickly, so shrimp scampi can be ready in under 10 minutes. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Shrimp scampi pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, or rice, and a simple green salad on the side.