Easy Shrimp Scampi

This Easy Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender shrimp in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a hint of spice and fresh lemon. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (21–30 per pound), peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 3–4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ lemon, zested and juiced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl with a pinch of kosher salt, half the minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Toss well and let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
2. Sear the shrimp: Heat the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 1–1½ minutes per side, until just starting to turn pink. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon to a plate. (They will finish cooking in the sauce.)
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine and lemon juice, bringing to a simmer. Let reduce by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in butter until melted and smooth.
4. Combine: Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook briefly until shrimp are opaque and fully cooked through.
5. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, lemon zest, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in less than 30 minutes
• Bold, fresh flavors with garlic, lemon, and parsley
• Can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or pasta topper
• Light yet satisfying, with just the right touch of heat

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Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and turn rubbery if left too long.
• Use dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
• Have all ingredients prepped before cooking—shrimp scampi comes together fast.
• Use fresh lemon juice for brightness—bottled juice won’t taste the same.

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Variations and Substitutions

• No wine? Use chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream after the wine reduction.
• Extra flavor: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or add grated Parmesan before serving.
• Milder version: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

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FAQs

Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance for quick cooking.

What shrimp size works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp hold up best, but medium shrimp will also work.

Can I make this with frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

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Serving Suggestions

• Toss with linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta for a classic scampi dish.
• Serve over rice, couscous, or quinoa for a hearty meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce.