Shrimp Scampi is a beloved seafood dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a splash of white wine and fresh lemon juice. Traditionally served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, it’s elegant enough for special occasions yet quick enough for a weeknight dinner—ready in under 20 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional, if serving with pasta)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Cook Pasta (if using)

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook Shrimp

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter with olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Make Sauce

   • In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

4. Combine

   • Return shrimp to skillet. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and parsley. Toss to coat.

   • If serving with pasta, add cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

5. Serve

   • Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving, without pasta)

• Calories: ~260 kcal

• Protein: ~24 g

• Fat: ~14 g

• Saturated Fat: ~6 g

• Carbohydrates: ~4 g

• Fiber: ~0 g

• Sugar: ~1 g

• Sodium: ~500 mg

Why Shrimp Scampi Stands Out

Part of the charm of Shrimp Scampi lies in its simplicity. The recipe uses just a handful of ingredients—shrimp, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice—and transforms them into something far greater than the sum of their parts. The butter and olive oil create a luxurious base, garlic infuses the dish with aroma and warmth, and the wine adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, and parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. It’s an example of how thoughtful ingredient pairing can create restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

The Perfect Shrimp for the Job

While you can technically make this dish with any size shrimp, large shrimp are ideal for both presentation and texture. They cook quickly but still have enough heft to hold their shape and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Peeled and deveined shrimp save prep time, though leaving the tails on can enhance presentation for special occasions. The key is to avoid overcooking—shrimp become rubbery if cooked too long, so they should be just pink and opaque before being removed from the pan.

The Sauce That Makes It Irresistible

The garlic butter sauce is the heart of Shrimp Scampi. Starting with a combination of butter and olive oil gives the sauce both richness and a lighter mouthfeel. The garlic is sautéed until fragrant, releasing its aroma without becoming bitter. A splash of dry white wine not only deglazes the pan but also adds depth and complexity, lifting the sauce from simple to sophisticated. Lemon juice cuts through the richness, making the dish feel bright and balanced, while red pepper flakes (if used) lend a gentle, lingering heat.

Pairing the Dish with Pasta, Rice, or Bread

Shrimp Scampi is incredibly flexible when it comes to how you serve it. Tossing it with linguine or spaghetti allows the sauce to cling to the pasta, creating a satisfying, complete meal. Serving it over rice transforms it into a comforting bowl, perfect for soaking up every drop of the buttery sauce. For a lighter option—or as an appetizer—pairing it with crusty bread lets you scoop up the shrimp and mop up the flavorful sauce directly from the plate. No matter which way you go, the dish is equally delicious.

A Meal That Works for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Shrimp Scampi is its adaptability. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party with a glass of chilled white wine, yet easy enough to whip up after a long day at work. Because it comes together so quickly, it’s perfect for last-minute entertaining—you can impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great date-night option, offering a touch of luxury without the stress.

Tips for Success

The secret to perfect Shrimp Scampi is timing. Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking is essential, as the shrimp and sauce come together in minutes. Use a skillet large enough to cook the shrimp in a single layer so they sear evenly. When cooking the garlic, keep the heat moderate to avoid burning, which can make the sauce bitter. If you’re serving the dish with pasta, cooking the pasta just to al dente and tossing it in the sauce ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.

Choosing the Right Wine

While the wine cooks down and mellows, it still plays an important role in the dish’s flavor. A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best, adding crispness and depth without overpowering the other ingredients. If you prefer not to cook with wine, chicken broth makes an excellent substitute, keeping the sauce flavorful and balanced.

Nutrition Without Compromise

Shrimp Scampi is naturally high in protein thanks to the shrimp, and while the butter and olive oil add fat, the overall portion size keeps it balanced. By pairing it with whole-grain pasta or serving it with a large side salad, you can make it part of a nutritious meal without sacrificing any of its indulgent flavor. Since shrimp is also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine, it’s a wholesome choice for a seafood night.

Making It Your Own

This dish is a perfect canvas for customization. You can add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness, spinach or arugula for extra greens, or capers for a briny kick. If you like it spicy, a heavier hand with the red pepper flakes turns it into a lively, peppery version. For a richer dish, you can swirl in a touch of cream at the end, creating a velvety texture that clings to the shrimp and pasta.

Perfect Side Dishes

Shrimp Scampi pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the citrus notes in the sauce, while roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, echoing the flavors of the dish while providing something to soak up extra sauce. For wine pairings, a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling wine keeps the meal feeling light and refreshing.

Why It’s a Perennial Favorite

Shrimp Scampi has endured as a restaurant and home kitchen favorite for decades because it delivers on all fronts: flavor, speed, and versatility. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, and its ingredient list is short enough that you can make it without a special shopping trip. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. With tender shrimp, a buttery garlic sauce, a splash of white wine, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s light yet satisfying, elegant yet approachable. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or last-minute entertaining. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with warm crusty bread, it’s a timeless recipe that earns its place in your regular rotation. Once you’ve made it, you’ll understand why it’s beloved by seafood lovers everywhere—and why it’s destined to become one of your go-to meals.