The combination of juicy shrimp swimming in a garlicky butter sauce with a hint of white wine is simply irresistible. The best part?It comes together in just 10 minutes!
This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes fancy but requires minimal effort.
Whether you serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a simple salad, this shrimp scampi is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What Is Shrimp Scampi?
Interestingly, the term “scampi” actually refers to a type of crustacean similar to langoustines in Italy.
When Italian immigrants came to America, they substituted the more readily available shrimp but kept the name.
Therefore, “shrimp scampi” is technically redundant, but it’s become the standard name for this beloved dish in American cuisine.
At its core, shrimp scampi is a simple preparation of shrimp cooked in a sauce made with butter, olive oil, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice.
The dish is typically finished with fresh parsley and sometimes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
It’s quick to prepare yet delivers incredible flavor, making it a perfect option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Cooking
My shrimp scampi recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1½ pounds large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Notes About Ingredients
For the best flavor, I recommend using wild-caught shrimp if you can find them.
They have better color, texture, and taste than farm-raised varieties. However, either will work in this recipe!
Best White Wine for Shrimp Scampi
I prefer using a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for this recipe.
The wine adds depth and acidity that really enhances the sauce.
But don’t worry if you don’t have wine on hand or prefer not to cook with alcohol.
Chicken broth makes an excellent substitute just add an extra squeeze of lemon juice to compensate for the missing acidity.
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp
Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well in this recipe.
If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
This helps them sear properly rather than steam.
For convenience, I often keep a bag of frozen shrimp in my freezer specifically for quick meals like this!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s how to make it:
- Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This is important because excess moisture will cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear.
- Sear the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining butter and oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the lemon juice, then return the shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook your shrimp! They’re done when they form a “C” shape and are pink and opaque. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and will be rubbery.
Ways to Serve Shrimp Scampi
One of the things I love most about shrimp scampi is how versatile it is! Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
With Pasta
The classic way to enjoy shrimp scampi! Toss with linguine, angel hair, or your favorite pasta. The noodles soak up that amazing garlic butter sauce.
With Crusty Bread
Serve as an appetizer with slices of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Over Rice
For a gluten-free option, serve over steamed white rice or cauliflower rice. The rice soaks up the sauce beautifully!
My personal favorite way to enjoy shrimp scampi is with a side of roasted asparagus and plenty of crusty bread for dipping in that amazing sauce!
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Do’s
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a good sear
- Use a large enough pan so shrimp aren’t crowded
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor
- Prep all ingredients before starting (mise en place)
Don’ts
- Don’t overcook the shrimp or they’ll become rubbery
- Don’t use cooking wine (use drinking-quality wine)
- Don’t skip patting the shrimp dry
- Don’t crowd the pan when cooking shrimp
- Don’t substitute dried parsley for fresh
Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
While shrimp scampi is best served fresh, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time. Clean and season the shrimp, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure out the other ingredients. Then, when you’re ready to eat, the dish will come together in just minutes!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as the shrimp can become tough. I actually enjoy leftover shrimp scampi cold in a salad!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! I often use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, and pat them dry before cooking.
Easy 10-Minute Shrimp Scampi
A quick and delicious shrimp scampi recipe featuring juicy shrimp in a flavorful garlic butter white wine sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
| 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 10 minutes | 4 |
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
- Stir in the lemon juice, then return the shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices.
- Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For best results, don’t overcook the shrimp. They’re done when they form a “C” shape and are pink and opaque.
- If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth and add an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Why You’re Gonna Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This shrimp scampi recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s so quick and impressive.
The combination of butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon creates a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress!
I love how versatile it is to serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a simple salad for a complete meal.
The best part? It takes just 10 minutes from start to finish!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to save it to Pinterest for later!
Save This Recipe For Later!
Loved this shrimp scampi recipe? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board to make again!
