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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Shrimp Scampi Recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Recipe

    Published: June 11, 2017 · Modified: Feb 3, 2023 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Rich, saucy, and buttery, this creamy Shrimp Scampi recipe is a weeknight-friendly dish but also perfect for entertaining guests. This easy shrimp recipe comes together in under 20 minutes in only a few simple steps. Full of plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon and red pepper flakes, everyone will want seconds.

    A bowl of pasta noodles topped with shrimp scampi.
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    Pinterest graphic of a skillet of shrimp scampi with some torn bread and plates in the background.
    Pinterest graphic of a plate of noodles with shrimp scampi with a fork lifting up bite out.
    Pinterest graphic of torn bread dipped into a plate of shrimp scampi.
    Pinterest graphic of an overhead view of a plate of shrimp scampi with a glass of wine and torn bread beside it.
    Pinterest graphic of a plate of pasta with shrimp scampi on top with bread, parsley, and wine in the background.

    Elegant enough for company but easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, this shrimp scampi recipe is an uncomplicated but impressive dish. You can serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish. Made with a handful of simple but flavorful ingredients, you can whip this restaurant-quality dish up in the blink of an eye from the comfort of your own home.

    Juicy shrimp cooked to tender perfection in a bright and creamy garlic butter white wine sauce, this recipe is a classic Italian dish everyone will love. Everyone will lick their plates clean! If you want another delicious shrimp recipe, then try my coconut shrimp recipe, shrimp tacos recipe, or my shrimp alfredo recipe.

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients needed to make shrimp scampi.

    Oil — don’t skip the olive oil! It helps keep the butter from burning in the skillet.

    Butter — I recommend using unsalted butter to ensure the scampi sauce does not come out too salty. Butter adds amazing flavor to both the shrimp and the sauce.

    Garlic — it’s best to use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Some pre-minced garlic has an unappealing aftertaste.

    Shrimp — you can buy peeled and deveined to make preparing the recipe easier. You can also remove the tails if you prefer no tails. Also, use large shrimp as small shrimp will cook too fast and overcook. When buying fresh shrimp, make sure it smells fresh and feels firm.

    Wine — use a dry white wine for the traditional shrimp scampi taste. Choose a drinkable wine that isn’t too expensive but still good in quality, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Pinot Blanc.

    Red pepper flakes — a little bit adds a nice kick of heat to the shrimp scampi.

    Lemon — a splash of lemon juice adds brightness. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice and not bottled lemon juice.

    How to Make This Shrimp Scampi Recipe

    Set of two photos showing minced garlic and shrimp added to a skillet.

    1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

    2. Add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the shrimp starts to turn pink.

    Set of two photos showing wine and red pepper flakes added to a skillet.

    3. Stir in the wine or chicken stock.

    4. Add the red pepper flakes.

    Set of two photos showing shrimp cooking in the skillet and parsley added on top.

    5. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid reduces by half and the shrimp is cooked through. Remove from the heat.

    6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve immediately over hot cooked pasta or with warm crusty bread.

    A skillet holding shrimp scampi with some torn bread in the background with some plates.

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Be careful not to overcook the shrimp before adding the wine or chicken stock. The shrimp will continue and finish cooking when you simmer it. If you overcook the shrimp in the first sear, it will lead to rubbery shrimp.
    • This recipe cooks quickly, so make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go as soon as the ingredients hit the pan.
    • Serve the shrimp scampi immediately as the shrimp will continue to cook in the sauce, and you don’t want the shrimp to overcook.
    • This shrimp scampi recipe is a versatile dish, as you can serve it in many ways. I enjoy serving the shrimp with some linguine pasta or angel hair pasta, but warm crusty bread such as dinner rolls or baguette are perfect for soaking up the flavorful scampi sauce.
    • Stirring in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter at the end gives the sauce extra body to help cling to the shrimp and pasta.
    A plate with shrimp scampi and some noodles being lifted off a plate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this without wine?

    You can easily make the scampi sauce without wine by substituting it with chicken stock. If you have shrimp stock on hand, that will make for an even more flavorful dish.

    Can I use frozen shrimp?

    You can use frozen shrimp to make this shrimp scampi recipe! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp by running them under cold water. Pat the shrimp dry before adding them to the skillet, so you get a nice sear on the shrimp, as the moisture will make them steam.

    How long does this recipe keep?

    Shrimp scampi keeps in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

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      Shrimp Salad

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    If you’ve tried this Shrimp Scampi recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    Overhead view of a plate containing shrimp scampi with torn bread and a pink linen off to the side.
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    5 from 25 votes

    Shrimp Scampi Recipe

    This easy Shrimp Scampi recipe comes together in a few quick minutes! You don't need more than a handful of ingredients to make this Italian classic.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 6 minutes
    Total Time 16 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 281kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Large skillet

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup butter divided (57g)
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 5 garlic cloves minced (20g)
    • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (450g)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken stock (60ml)
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
    • Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving

    Instructions

    • A large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the shrimp starts to turn pink, about 1 minute.
    • Stir in the wine or chicken stock and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid reduces by half and the shrimp is cooked through about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
    • Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve immediately over hot cooked pasta or with warm crusty bread.

    Video

    Notes

    • Be careful not to overcook the shrimp before adding the wine or chicken stock. The shrimp will continue and finish cooking when you simmer it. If you overcook the shrimp in the first sear, it will lead to rubbery shrimp.
    • This recipe cooks quickly, so make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go as soon as the ingredients hit the pan.
    • Serve the shrimp scampi immediately as the shrimp will continue to cook in the sauce, and you don’t want the shrimp to overcook.
    • This shrimp scampi recipe is a versatile dish, as you can serve it in many ways. I enjoy serving the shrimp with some linguine pasta or angel hair pasta, but warm crusty bread such as dinner rolls or French bread are perfect for soaking up the flavorful scampi sauce.
    • Stirring in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter at the end gives the sauce extra body to help cling to the shrimp and pasta.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 212mg | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 709IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!

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    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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