This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a restaurant-quality dish made effortlessly at home. The shrimp are perfectly sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with a hint of white wine and fresh lemon juice for the perfect balance of flavor. Tossed with tender pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese, every bite is packed with indulgence.
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a fancy dinner at home. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and you’ll have a meal that rivals your favorite seafood restaurant.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – A Classic Seafood Delight
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a timeless dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with pasta. This dish, inspired by the popular Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, is an easy-to-make yet elegant meal that impresses with every bite. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home, this shrimp scampi recipe delivers bold flavors in just 25 minutes.
What Makes Shrimp Scampi Special?
Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American dish known for its delicate balance of flavors. The shrimp are quickly sautéed in butter and olive oil, allowing them to absorb the deep, savory essence of garlic and white wine. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, while red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that enhances the overall taste. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley creates a perfect finishing touch, making the dish both indulgent and refreshing.
What truly sets shrimp scampi apart is its versatility. While traditionally served over pasta, this dish can also be enjoyed with crusty bread, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. Its quick preparation time and impressive presentation make it an ideal choice for both weeknight meals and dinner parties.
The History Behind Shrimp Scampi
The term “scampi” originally referred to a type of small, lobster-like crustacean found in Italy. In classic Italian cuisine, these scampi were typically prepared in a garlic butter sauce. However, when Italian immigrants arrived in the United States, they adapted the dish using shrimp, which was more readily available. Over time, “shrimp scampi” became a widely recognized dish in American seafood restaurants, including Red Lobster, which popularized its own buttery, garlicky version.
Choosing the Best Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi
The quality of ingredients plays a crucial role in making the perfect shrimp scampi. Fresh, large shrimp (preferably wild-caught) provide the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can also be used but should be properly thawed before cooking. When selecting a white wine, opt for a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, as these wines enhance the dish’s depth without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe, as its bold aroma and natural sweetness infuse the butter sauce with incredible richness. The butter itself should be high-quality, preferably unsalted, so that you can control the seasoning. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty contrast, while fresh parsley brings a burst of color and freshness.
Perfect Pairings for Shrimp Scampi
While shrimp scampi is often served over pasta, there are several delicious ways to enjoy this dish:
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery, garlicky sauce.
- Over Rice: White or brown rice provides a hearty base that complements the shrimp and sauce beautifully.
- With Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option, try spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- On Its Own: Shrimp scampi can be served as a standalone dish with a side salad for a refreshing, light meal.
To complete the dining experience, pair shrimp scampi with a glass of crisp white wine and a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Use Large Shrimp: Medium or jumbo shrimp work best, as they remain juicy and tender when cooked.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side—so be careful not to overdo it, or they will become rubbery.
- Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the shrimp, use white wine and chicken broth to lift any flavorful bits from the pan, enhancing the sauce.
- Balance the Flavors: The butter and Parmesan provide richness, while the lemon juice and red pepper flakes add brightness and contrast.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, as the shrimp can become dry when reheated.
Why You Should Try This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This shrimp scampi recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Unlike many seafood dishes that require extensive preparation, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon creates a sauce that coats the shrimp and pasta beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Another reason to love this dish is its ability to be customized. Whether you prefer a bit more spice, extra garlic, or a different pasta shape, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Plus, the impressive presentation of shrimp scampi makes it ideal for date nights or special occasions without the hassle of an elaborate meal.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the perfect dish for seafood lovers who appreciate bold flavors and simple, elegant meals. This easy-to-make recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen, making it a go-to choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a sophisticated dish to impress guests, or a comforting seafood classic, this shrimp scampi recipe delivers every time. Try it today and experience the deliciousness of this timeless dish!