Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant? This easy shrimp scampi recipe delivers rich garlic butter flavor, juicy shrimp, and a zesty lemon-wine sauce – all in under 30 minutes.

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What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish where shrimp are sautéed in a garlic butter and white wine sauce, then tossed with pasta. Despite its fancy name, it’s incredibly simple to make. The name “scampi” originally referred to a small lobster-like shellfish in Italy. But in the U.S., we use shrimp instead—and we kept the name.

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Why Is Shrimp Scampi So Popular?

This dish wins hearts because it’s:

• Fast—done in 20 minutes
• Packed with flavor—think garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp
• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Fancy enough for dinner guests but simple enough for Tuesday night

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Reasons You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights
• Rich and Flavorful: Every bite bursts with buttery garlic goodness
• Minimal Cleanup: One skillet, one pot
• Customizable: Make it with or without wine, add veggies, go low-carb

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make shrimp scampi that’s bold, balanced, and fresh.

Protein

• 1 lb shrimp (medium or large, peeled and deveined)

Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. Just thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking.

Fat and Flavor

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Butter adds richness, olive oil prevents burning, and garlic gives the dish its punch.

Acid and Liquid

• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon

Wine brings acidity and depth. If you don’t cook with alcohol, use broth instead.

Heat and Seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Pasta

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Microplane or grater for lemon zest

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How to Make Shrimp Scampi (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Rinse shrimp in cold water. Pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil water and cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Save ½ cup pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown.

Step 4: Add Shrimp

Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and remaining 2 tablespoons butter into the skillet. Toss well to coat. Add lemon zest and parsley. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss again. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

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Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Scampi

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook fast. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled just doesn’t taste the same.
• Watch your garlic – Burned garlic turns bitter, so cook it briefly.
• Add pasta water – A little can help bind the sauce to the noodles.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile and works with many sides:

• Over linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair
• On top of rice or quinoa
• Paired with zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist
• With a side of crusty bread for dipping
• Next to a simple green salad

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Tasty Variations to Try

Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi

Skip the pasta and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Add Vegetables

Toss in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms when you add the shrimp.

Make It Creamy

Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a rich, creamy scampi sauce.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can get rubbery.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking shrimp – They only need 1–2 minutes per side.
• Using too much garlic – Stick to 3–4 cloves to keep it balanced.
• Skipping the lemon zest – It adds brightness and lifts the whole dish.
• Not saving pasta water – It can save your sauce if it’s too thick.

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Conclusion

Shrimp scampi might sound like a dish you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It brings together simple ingredients like garlic, butter, shrimp, and lemon to create a dish that’s comforting, elegant, and done in under 30 minutes. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

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FAQs About Shrimp Scampi

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. What’s the best type of pasta for shrimp scampi?
Linguine or spaghetti work best, but angel hair and fettuccine are great too.

3. What wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal. Avoid sweet wines.

4. Can I make it without wine?
Yes. Substitute white wine with chicken broth and a splash of extra lemon juice.

5. Is shrimp scampi gluten-free?
Not with regular pasta, but you can use gluten-free noodles or serve it over veggies.