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Ina Garten Shrimp Scampi Recipe

4.9 from 73 reviews

Ina Garten’s Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent large shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic and white wine sauce, brightened with fresh lemon and parsley. Served over al dente linguine or spaghetti, this elegant yet simple recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and fresh zest, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Sauce

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Pasta and Garnish

  • Cooked linguine or spaghetti (amount as needed for 4 servings)
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Cook Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
  4. Add White Wine: Pour in the white wine (if using) and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly and flavors to meld.
  5. Finish Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
  6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to combine with the shrimp and sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add Herbs and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve the shrimp scampi over the pasta, garnished with lemon wedges and additional parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for best flavor; frozen shrimp can be substituted but should be fully thawed and patted dry.
  • If white wine is not available or preferred, substitute with chicken broth or omit altogether.
  • Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
  • Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to better coat the pasta.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to taste.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp scampi over sautéed zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Ina Garten, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Lemon Shrimp Pasta, Easy Shrimp Recipe, Italian Seafood