Perfect Shrimp Scampi for Any Occasion is a quick and tasty dish that combines tender shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter in a simple sauce that’s full of bright and fresh flavors. The shrimp get cooked just right, so they stay juicy and delicious, and the garlic-lemon butter sauce makes it feel a little special without a lot of fuss.
I love making this shrimp scampi when I need something fast but still want to impress. It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and it’s one of those dishes that always makes me feel like I’m treating myself a bit. My tip: don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes on each side, and they’ll be perfectly tender and a little buttery from the sauce.
This dish goes great over pasta, rice, or even with some crusty bread to soak up all that garlicky goodness. I especially like serving it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies. It’s a recipe that’s great for busy weeknights but also feels fancy enough to make guests happy. Honestly, it’s one of those meals everyone ends up asking for again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well. I prefer large shrimp because they cook quickly and hold up nicely. If you’re allergic or prefer something else, scallops or firm white fish can be good alternatives.
Butter and Olive Oil: Both provide richness and help cook the shrimp and garlic. If you’re avoiding dairy, use all olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a similar flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the classic scampi flavor. Minced garlic works best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch—just use less to avoid overpowering.
Lemon: Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If fresh lemon isn’t available, bottled lemon juice works, though fresh always tastes better in this recipe.
White Wine: Adds depth and acidity. If you want to skip alcohol, use chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice as a substitute.
How Do I Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp?
Shrimp cook very fast, so keeping them tender means watching the time carefully. Here’s what I do:
- Heat the pan properly before adding shrimp to get a good sear.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque.
- Remove shrimp from heat immediately to stop cooking; they keep firm but juicy.
- Return them to the sauce at the end just to warm up.
Overcooked shrimp get rubbery and lose their delicate texture, so quick cooking is key to perfect scampi.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil the pasta easily and cook enough for everyone.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking shrimp and making the sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs or pasta fork – helpful for tossing the pasta with the sauce without breaking it.
- Garlic press or small knife – for mincing garlic finely to get that fresh flavor.
- Measuring spoons and cups – keep your ingredients balanced and tasting just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken if you want a different protein that cooks quickly but stays tender.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for a fresh burst of color and extra veggies.
- Use crushed red pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes for a different mild spice and smoky flavor.
- Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese at the end to make it richer and cheesy.
Perfect Shrimp Scampi for Any Occasion
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp scampi recipe takes about 20-25 minutes total. You’ll spend 10-12 minutes preparing and cooking the pasta and about 10 minutes cooking the shrimp and making the sauce. It’s a quick dish that comes together fast, perfect for any night of the week or an easy special meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and save ½ cup of the pasta water to use later in the sauce.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. If you like a little spice, add the red pepper flakes now. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Add the chopped parsley and give everything a good mix. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until you get a smooth consistency.
5. Serve:
Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve right away with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little extra parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your perfect shrimp scampi!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or quickly under cold running water. Pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also add a splash of extra lemon juice to keep that bright flavor.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can cook the pasta and shrimp separately and prepare the sauce in advance. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat on the stove and combine just before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and consider adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.