Description
At its core, Shrimp Scampi is a dish made of shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, often with a splash of white wine and a dash of lemon juice. The term “scampi” originally refers to a type of small lobster-like crustacean found in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. However, in the United States, “scampi” is commonly used to describe dishes made with shrimp cooked in the traditional manner—garlic, butter, and white wine.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1½ lbs large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)
For Serving:
- 12 oz linguine or angel hair pasta
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
- Extra parsley for garnish
- Crusty Italian bread
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Scampi Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let garlic brown).
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add lemon juice and let it bubble for 1 minute.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp.
- Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and fresh parsley.
Serve:
- Transfer to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and extra parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Notes
For a lighter option, serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables instead of pasta. Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine while sautéing for a delicious kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (with pasta)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Classic Shrimp Scampi