Savor the Sizzle: Classic Shrimp Scampi in Under 30 Minutes
Shrimp Scampi is one of those iconic Italian-American dishes that feels fancy but is shockingly simple to whip up. Think succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine—served over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the garlicky, buttery sauce. It’s elegance meets ease, and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
Here’s your step-by-step guide to making restaurant-quality Shrimp Scampi at home.
🦐 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 lemon, juiced (plus extra wedges for serving)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
🍽️ Instructions
1. Prep the Pasta (if using)
If you’re serving the scampi over pasta, cook it in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Finish It Off
Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add the shrimp back into the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes. Add chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
If using pasta, add the cooked noodles to the pan with a splash of pasta water to help coat everything. Toss together.
5. Serve
Plate with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (if desired), a lemon wedge, and a pinch more parsley for presentation. Serve immediately with crusty bread or pasta.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- 🍤 Nonstick Skillet or Stainless Steel Pan – Ideal for searing shrimp and simmering your buttery garlic sauce.
- 🧄 Garlic Press – Mince garlic quickly and evenly for bold flavor.
- 🍝 Linguine or Spaghetti Pasta – The perfect base to soak up that scampi sauce.
- 🍋 Citrus Juicer – Make quick work of juicing fresh lemons without the mess.
- 🍷 Dry White Cooking Wine – Adds acidity and complexity to balance the richness.
- 🧂 Red Pepper Flakes – A subtle spicy note to elevate your dish.
- 🌿 Fresh or Dried Parsley – Finishes your dish with color and a hit of herbaceous freshness.
- 🧤 Heat-Resistant Silicone Tongs – Handle delicate shrimp and pasta without damaging your cookware.
🍴 Final Thoughts
Shrimp Scampi is your go-to for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a five-star experience. It’s buttery, garlicky, a little zesty, and insanely satisfying. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with bread, it never fails to impress.
Let me know if you’d like a dairy-free, keto, or gluten-free twist on this classic—I’d be happy to adjust it for your kitchen!