Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This Shrimp Scampi recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent large shrimp cooked in a garlic, butter, and white wine sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, 16-20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (approximately 1/2 tsp each for shrimp)
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Prep shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn just opaque and are cooked through. Immediately transfer the shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes until it’s reduced by half. Stir in the lemon juice for brightness.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked shrimp along with any collected juices on the plate back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the shrimp are coated evenly with the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately over your favorite pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Offer lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooked shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the shrimp and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently either by microwaving in 30-second intervals until warm or by warming in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid overcooking to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Serving Tips: This dish pairs beautifully with linguine or spaghetti and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Wine Substitute: If avoiding alcohol, low-sodium chicken broth works well as a substitute for white wine in the sauce.
Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp, seafood pasta, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner, Italian shrimp dish