The Zesty Lemon-Garlic Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a delectable shrimp scampi feels like an effortless culinary adventure that promises pure satisfaction.

Garlic and butter create a symphony of flavors dancing across tender seafood.

Coastal kitchens inspire this classic Italian-American dish that comes together in mere minutes.

Mediterranean influences shine through each succulent bite of perfectly cooked shellfish.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when you want something light yet incredibly delicious.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality seafood without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.

Savor every moment of this simple yet elegant meal that connects you to seaside traditions.

Why Shrimp Scampi Is a Timeless Classic

• Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients, adjusting spice levels, or adding vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Universally appealing dish that combines tender shrimp, zesty garlic, and bright lemon flavors everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.
• Restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks wanting to elevate their culinary game.

Ingredients for Classic Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this classic Italian-American dish.
• Pasta: Thin spaghetti or linguine that provides a perfect base for the flavorful shrimp sauce.

• Garlic, Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add depth and brightness to the dish.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that brings a zesty, fresh tang to balance the rich seafood.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich cooking fats that create a silky, flavorful sauce for the shrimp and pasta.
• White Wine: Dry wine that adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits.

How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package directions.

You want those noodles to be perfectly al dente.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Swirl together butter and olive oil until they dance and meld.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle, releasing its aromatic magic for about one minute.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Crank up the heat to medium-high.

Gently add shrimp to the skillet, allowing each piece to turn a beautiful pink and become translucent.

Cook them for roughly three minutes on each side until they’re perfectly tender.

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour white wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Let the wine simmer and reduce for about two minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Introduce the cooked pasta to the shrimp party.

Splash in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley.

Gently toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water to create a light, silky coating if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the shrimp scampi to serving plates immediately.

Garnish with extra parsley or a few lemon slices for a bright, fresh finish.

Dive in while it’s hot and savor every delicious bite!

Insider Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Save some starchy cooking liquid to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Sauté garlic quickly to release flavor without burning, which can make it bitter and unpleasant.
• Watch for the pink and opaque color to ensure shrimp are cooked through but not overdone, preventing rubbery texture.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the seafood without overpowering it.
• Toss and serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and prevent pasta from becoming soggy or sticky.

Proper Storage and Reheating of Shrimp Scampi

• Transfer leftover shrimp scampi into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep pasta and shrimp together to maintain moisture.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of white wine or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Ideal Pairings for Shrimp Scampi

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the buttery sauce.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting rustic bread with garlic and herbs, allowing diners to soak up the delicious wine and butter sauce.
• Create Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss light, peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the rich shrimp scampi and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Add Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Enhance the meal's brightness with a sparkling water garnished with fresh lemon or lime wedges, matching the dish's zesty profile.

Shrimp Scampi: Fun Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash strands, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic scampi flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil, ensuring the dish remains creamy and flavorful for those avoiding dairy products.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace shrimp with plant-based alternatives like king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, keeping the garlic and white wine sauce intact for a seafood-free experience.

FAQs

• Why use both butter and olive oil?

The combination provides rich flavor from butter and prevents burning due to olive oil’s higher smoke point, creating a perfect base for sautéing garlic and shrimp.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque, and curl slightly when fully cooked. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch carefully during the 3-minute cooking time.

• Can I substitute white wine?

If you prefer, use chicken broth or seafood stock as an alternative. These options maintain the dish’s depth of flavor while accommodating different dietary preferences or alcohol restrictions.

• What type of pasta works best?

Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices, but angel hair or fettuccine also work well. The key is selecting a pasta shape that can hold the light, garlicky sauce effectively.

Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp scampi dances with garlic and white wine, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that whispers of coastal elegance. Zesty lemon and fresh parsley elevate this classic dish, inviting you to savor each delightful, buttery bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine or spaghetti

Cooking Fats:

• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling water until perfectly tender, setting aside a cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Create a flavor base in a spacious skillet by gently melting butter and olive oil together over moderate heat.
3. Infuse the fat with minced garlic, stirring continuously until aromatic and golden, approximately 45-60 seconds.
4. Elevate the skillet’s temperature to medium-high and introduce succulent shrimp, allowing them to transform into a vibrant pink hue and become translucent, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Enhance the pan’s depth by splashing white wine, expertly loosening caramelized remnants from the bottom while creating a rich, fragrant liquid reduction.
6. Merge the perfectly cooked pasta with the luxurious shrimp ensemble, incorporating bright lemon juice and fresh parsley.
7. Delicately toss the ingredients, utilizing reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to each strand.
8. Present the dish immediately, adorning with additional verdant parsley sprigs or zesty lemon wedges for a final flourish.

Notes

• Save some pasta water before draining to help create a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Choose large or jumbo shrimp for the most tender and succulent texture, ensuring they’re not overcooked and remain juicy.
• Select a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the delicate seafood flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Quick-cooking technique prevents rubbery shrimp by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque, maintaining their delicate, buttery texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 200mg