Few dishes conjure up images of elegant simplicity and vibrant flavor quite like Shrimp Scampi. This beloved classic features plump, tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter white wine sauce, often served over a bed of pasta. It’s a dish that feels incredibly gourmet, yet surprisingly, it comes together in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

Shrimp Scampi is one of those culinary heroes that perfectly balances sophistication with speed. What I adore most about this recipe is its sheer efficiency and the explosion of flavor it delivers. The quick cooking time for the shrimp ensures they remain tender and juicy, never rubbery. The sauce, built on the foundation of rich butter, fragrant garlic, a touch of warming red pepper flakes, and bright white wine, is simply divine. It clings beautifully to the pasta and coats every piece of shrimp, creating a truly irresistible experience. It’s an elegant dish that always impresses, yet it’s so straightforward, making it a regular rotation in my kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Easy Shrimp Scampi:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Noodles (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine recommended)

Swaps and Notes

• Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp (21/25 count or larger) for the best results. Fresh or frozen (thawed and patted dry) both work well. Always ensure they are peeled and deveined.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination offers richness and helps prevent the butter from burning. You can use all butter if preferred, just watch your heat.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is paramount for true scampi flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your spice preference. For a milder dish, use less or omit. For more kick, add a full teaspoon.
• Dry White Wine: This adds depth and acidity to the sauce. Avoid sweet wines. If you prefer not to use wine, a good quality chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and color. Do not substitute with dried parsley here.
• Noodles: Linguine is traditional, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta work beautifully. Cook your noodles al dente according to package directions while preparing the sauce.
• Lemon Juice (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the entire dish.

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Instructions

Let’s get this delicious Shrimp Scampi cooking!

1. Prepare Pasta: Start cooking your desired noodles according to package directions while you prepare the scampi. You want the noodles to be ready right when the shrimp scampi is finished.
2. Melt Fats & Add Aromatics: In a large skillet (a 12-inch skillet works well), melt the 4 tablespoons of butter with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Garlic & Red Pepper: Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add the 1 pound of large shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them in the garlicky butter mixture. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright pink and are no longer translucent.
5. Remove Shrimp: Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate. Keep the shrimp warm while you finish the sauce. This prevents the shrimp from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
6. Deglaze with Wine: Add the ½ cup of dry white wine to the hot pan. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This reduces the wine slightly and concentrates the flavors. Turn off the heat.
7. Combine & Season: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the wine sauce. Toss to coat the shrimp completely in the sauce. Plate the shrimp and sauce immediately over your hot, cooked noodles.
8. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle generously with the ½ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! They are done when they turn opaque pink. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
• Use Good Quality Ingredients: With a simple dish like scampi, the quality of your ingredients really shines through, especially the shrimp, butter, and wine.
• Have Everything Ready: This dish comes together fast, so have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go (mise en place) before you start cooking.
• Hot Pan, Not Smoking: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to get a good sizzle, but not so hot that the butter burns or the garlic scorches.
• Pasta Timing: Start your pasta water as soon as you begin the scampi. Ideally, your pasta finishes cooking right when the scampi sauce is ready.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Shrimp Scampi is a complete meal with noodles, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious garlic butter wine sauce.
• Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scampi.
• Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: A quick and healthy vegetable side.
• Garlic Bread: You can never have too much garlic!
• For other quick and flavorful weeknight options, consider dishes like our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Shrimp Scampi is truly best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored, but the shrimp and pasta may change texture.

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat, which can make the shrimp rubbery. The pasta may absorb more sauce and become softer.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as both shrimp and pasta can become rubbery and mushy, respectively, after thawing and reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the quick-cooking, flavorful, and pasta-centric nature of this Shrimp Scampi, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free Italian-inspired or hearty weeknight recipes:

• For another beloved pasta classic, try our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
• If you’re a fan of comforting pasta bakes, our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fast is a fantastic shortcut.
• For a hearty, flavorful, and easy Southern-inspired dish, check out This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Shrimp Scampi recipe is a shining example of how a few high-quality ingredients and quick cooking techniques can create an incredibly satisfying and elegant meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Give this recipe a try and elevate your next dinner with this flavorful seafood sensation! What’s your favorite quick and easy pasta dish? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!