How to Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a show-stopping, restaurant-quality meal that’s actually easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, let me introduce you to your new obsession: How to Make Shrimp Scampi. Picture plump shrimp cooked just right, bathed in garlicky, buttery sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta, all lifted by a zing of lemon and the mild heat of red pepper flakes. From the golden shimmer of olive oil to the brightness of fresh parsley, this How to Make Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers everything you love about Mediterranean flavors in under an hour—and every bite feels like a mini escape to the coast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of How to Make Shrimp Scampi is in how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something truly special. Each component works hard—bringing sweetness, tang, or savoriness—so don’t skip the little touches, because they make a big difference.
- Pasta (3/4 pound linguini or angel hair): Catches the rich sauce and delivers the dish’s signature silkiness; thinner noodles mean more sauce in every bite.
- Jumbo Fresh Shrimp (1 and 1/2 pounds): The star attraction—look for plump, peeled, and deveined shrimp for maximum succulence.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning brings out shrimp’s natural sweetness and balances the whole dish.
- Unsalted Butter (6 Tablespoons, divided): Creates a luscious, silky sauce base and gives that classic scampi richness.
- Olive Oil (6 Tablespoons, plus more for drizzling): Provides depth, helps brown the aromatics, and finishes the dish with a fruity punch.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle kick without overpowering the shrimp.
- Shallots (2 small, finely diced): Add a mellow sweetness and create a flavor foundation that feels sophisticated.
- Garlic (8 cloves, minced): Tons of garlic means tons of flavor—don’t be shy!
- White Wine (3/4 cup): Adds acidity and depth; use a wine you’d enjoy drinking for the very best results.
- Lemon Juice (1/4 cup, freshly squeezed): Brightens the entire dish, making every bite taste fresh.
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with fragrant citrus oils—don’t skip the zest!
- Fresh Parsley (2 Tablespoons, chopped): Delivers a pop of color and herbal lift, elevating taste and presentation.
- Lemon Slices (for garnish, optional): Adds visual flair and invites diners to squeeze on extra tang.
How to Make How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Prep Your Pasta Water
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. You want it bubbling and ready when it’s time for pasta, so don’t wait until the last minute. This step is often overlooked, but it means your noodles won’t be left waiting while the shrimp scampi sauce comes together—timing is everything for perfect texture.
Step 2: Get the Shrimp Ready
Lay your shrimp on a big plate, then press them gently with a paper towel until they’re nice and dry. This simple step ensures the shrimp will sear beautifully, not steam, giving you that irresistible golden edge that makes shrimp scampi so luscious. Set them aside for now.
Step 3: Start Building Flavor
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan, swirling to coat the bottom. The butter sets the stage for your shrimp to cook up plump and flavorful.
Step 4: Sear the Shrimp
Turn the heat up to high, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot pan. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 2 minutes—this helps them develop color and lock in their juices. Flip each shrimp, cook for 2 minutes more, then transfer them to a plate. You want them barely cooked through, as they’ll finish in the sauce later.
Step 5: Soften the Aromatics
Don’t clean the skillet! Lower the heat to medium and add 2 more tablespoons of butter. Once melted, pour in the olive oil, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, and tip in the diced shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the shallots are soft and translucent, making your kitchen smell divine.
Step 6: Add All the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until it turns fragrant. Watch it closely—overcooked garlic can turn bitter, and you want these bold, sweet notes to shine!
Step 7: Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and bring everything to a lively simmer. Let the wine bubble away for about 5 minutes, stirring here and there, as it melds into the other flavors. Add the last 2 tablespoons of butter, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Dial the heat down to low to keep things gentle.
Step 8: Cook the Pasta
Now’s the time to drop a teaspoon of salt into your boiling water, followed by the pasta. Set your timer for al dente (usually 6 to 8 minutes), then drain immediately, reserving 1 and 1/2 cups of the pasta water to finish your sauce later.
Step 9: Shrimp, Back in the Pool
Add the just-cooked shrimp to your skillet and toss them in the shimmering sauce for one minute. This gently reheats them without overcooking—just enough to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if you prefer.
Step 10: Bring It All Together
Add in your drained pasta and the chopped parsley. Stir well to coat every strand in garlicky, lemony sauce. Begin adding reserved pasta water, about a quarter cup at a time, tossing as you go, until the sauce clings seductively to the noodles without pooling at the bottom.
Step 11: Finish and Serve
Drizzle a little more olive oil over everything, sprinkle with extra parsley, and serve immediately. If you like, add lemon slices for color and a fresh squeeze for those who crave more citrus pop. There you have it—How to Make Shrimp Scampi, ready to wow your table!
How to Serve How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Garnishes
Finish your How to Make Shrimp Scampi with a flurry of fresh parsley and a squeeze (or twist) of lemon. These two simple garnishes lift the whole dish, making the colors pop and giving you a little fresh herbal and tart flavor with every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a few lemon slices along the edge of your platter for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
This savory, lemony pasta absolutely thrives alongside crisp green vegetables or a simple salad. Try serving it with steamed asparagus, broccolini, or a peppery arugula salad tossed with shaved Parmesan. A slice of grilled sourdough or crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce, which no one will want to leave behind.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Twirl the pasta into little nests and place several sautéed shrimp on top of each, then dot the plate with parsley and a little lemon zest for color. For a dinner party touch, serve in shallow pasta bowls with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a final dusting of red pepper flakes. Or go family-style and present the scampi in one big, beautiful platter—everyone will dig in immediately!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover How to Make Shrimp Scampi (a rare occurrence), let the dish cool to room temperature first. Transfer the shrimp and pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Enjoy within 2 to 3 days for best texture and flavor.
Freezing
The sauce and shrimp freeze surprisingly well, but pasta can sometimes become a bit soft after thawing. If you’d like to freeze leftovers, store sauce and shrimp in a freezer-safe container, ideally without the pasta. To serve later, simply reheat the sauce and shrimp and toss with freshly cooked pasta for an almost brand-new meal.
Reheating
To revive your shrimp scampi, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or a touch of olive oil to loosen the sauce. This approach helps the pasta stay silky and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but always cover and use low power for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp can work just as well as fresh in How to Make Shrimp Scampi, provided you drain off excess moisture for the perfect sear.
What’s the best pasta shape for shrimp scampi?
Linguini is a classic choice, but angel hair also works beautifully, thanks to how it soaks up the luscious sauce. Even spaghetti or fettuccine will do in a pinch—just remember, longer noodles generally mean more surface area for sauce!
Can I substitute the wine?
If you don’t cook with wine, substitute with seafood stock, chicken broth, or even a splash of extra lemon juice and pasta water. You’ll miss a bit of the depth that wine brings, but your scampi will still sing with flavor.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Sear the shrimp quickly at high heat until just opaque, then pull them from the pan. They’ll finish perfectly when you return them to the skillet for a final minute in step 9. This keeps the shrimp juicy, not rubbery.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be sure to cook it according to the package directions, as texture can vary. Everything else about How to Make Shrimp Scampi stays deliciously the same.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making How to Make Shrimp Scampi in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that never fails to dazzle—easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Once you taste that garlicky, lemony sauce hugging those perfectly cooked shrimp, you’ll find yourself making this scampi again and again. Enjoy every bite!
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How to Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Shrimp Scampi with a flavorful blend of shrimp, garlic, lemon, and pasta. This classic dish is perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 3/4 pound (340g) dried pasta (linguini or angel hair)
Shrimp:
- 1 and 1/2 pounds (681g) jumbo fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
Seasoning:
- Salt and Pepper (as needed)
Butter and Oil Mixture:
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (divided)
- 6 Tablespoons (85ml) olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 small shallots (finely diced)
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup (171ml) white wine
- 1/4 cup (57ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (finely grated)
- 2 Tablespoons (18g) fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- lemon slices (garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sear the shrimp in butter until cooked, then set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Cook shallots, garlic, and spices. Add wine, lemon juice, and zest.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Combine: Add shrimp to sauce, then mix in pasta and parsley.
- Adjust Consistency: Add pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce thickness.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with olive oil, garnish, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize this dish with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 265mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta recipe, seafood dinner, Italian cuisine
