🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Treat yourself to a flavorful, restaurant-style dinner in just 20 minutes! This Shrimp Scampi combines succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a bright lemon butter sauce—perfectly tossed over your favorite pasta. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, this dish always delivers.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

• 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 8 oz cooked pasta (linguine or spaghetti work best)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté Garlic:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—avoid browning the garlic.

3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.

4. Deglaze and Simmer:
   Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.

5. Add Parsley and Finish:
   Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped parsley.

6. Serve:
   Toss the cooked pasta into the pan or serve shrimp and sauce over pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300

• Protein: 24g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 15g

❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking.

2. What kind of white wine should I use?
   Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

3. Can I substitute the wine?
   Yes, replace it with more chicken broth or even vegetable broth.

4. Is shrimp scampi spicy?
   Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for a kick.

5. What pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
   Linguine, spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine all work well.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes—just serve it with gluten-free pasta and check broth ingredients.

8. What size shrimp is best?
   Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for presentation and texture.

9. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes! Spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great additions.

10. How do I thicken the sauce?
    Simmer it longer or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

11. Can I prep this ahead of time?
    You can prep ingredients, but cook shrimp fresh for best texture.

12. Why is my garlic bitter?
    It was likely overcooked. Only sauté until fragrant, not browned.

13. How do I reheat shrimp scampi?
    Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving shrimp if possible.

14. Can I use precooked shrimp?
    Yes, but add them at the end just to heat through, not cook.

15. Can I use lemon zest in this recipe?
    Absolutely—it adds fresh citrus aroma.

16. How long does this dish take from start to finish?
    Around 20 minutes, including prep.

17. Can I use ghee or clarified butter?
    Yes, for a more intense buttery flavor and higher smoke point.

18. Is this keto-friendly?
    Without pasta, yes—it’s low in carbs.

19. How many servings does this recipe make?
    Serves about 4 as a main dish.

20. Is scampi Italian?
    It’s Italian-American. “Scampi” actually refers to a type of crustacean in Italy.

💡 20 Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

1. Use fresh or wild-caught shrimp for best flavor and texture.

2. Dry the shrimp before cooking so they sear, not steam.

3. Mince garlic finely and cook briefly to avoid bitterness.

4. Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook in just 2–3 minutes.

5. Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for vibrant flavor.

6. Finish with a knob of cold butter for a silky sauce texture.

7. Deglaze the pan well to pull up flavorful browned bits.

8. Use pasta water to loosen sauce if it gets too thick.

9. Salt pasta water generously so the noodles have flavor.

10. Toss pasta directly in the sauce to absorb flavors.

11. Add lemon zest to enhance citrus aroma.

12. Top with freshly grated Parmesan for a savory finish.

13. Add a splash of cream if you prefer a richer sauce.

14. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

15. Serve with crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.

16. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or chives for variety.

17. Use a cast iron or stainless-steel skillet for better sear.

18. Don’t crowd the pan—cook shrimp in batches if needed.

19. Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the dish.

20. Use shrimp shells to make homemade stock for next-level flavor.