Description
This Shrimp Scampi recipe is a classic Italian-American dish made with juicy, succulent shrimp, sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine and fresh lemon juice. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, served over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The flavors are well-balanced, with a blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy shrimp scampi recipe will quickly become a favorite
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Pasta or crusty bread, for serving (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted and starts to foam, add the minced garlic.
- Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Increase the heat slightly and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
- Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
- Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Red Pepper Flakes
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and red pepper flakes, simmering for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Add the remaining butter and let it melt into the sauce, stirring until the sauce becomes rich and velvety.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve the shrimp scampi over pasta or with crusty bread. Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, add ¼ cup of heavy cream during step 5 for a creamy shrimp scampi variation.
- If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking.
- Red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your preference for spice. You can omit them for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 580mg
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Perfect Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Easy, Flavorful & Quick to Make