Perfect Shrimp Scampi for Any Occasion is a simple and delicious dish that combines tender shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and lemon juice with a touch of fresh parsley. The sauce is light but full of flavor, making it a great choice whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests. The garlic and lemon brighten up the dish, while the butter makes everything smooth and tasty.
I love making shrimp scampi because it feels fancy but comes together so fast, which is a big win in my kitchen. A quick tip I always follow is to not overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes on each side to turn pink and stay juicy. When I get the timing right, the shrimp stay tender, and they soak up all the buttery garlic goodness perfectly.
My favorite way to serve this is over a bed of warm pasta or alongside some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce. It’s also great with a simple green salad to keep things fresh. This dish never fails to bring a little sparkle to dinner, and I find it’s one the whole family enjoys every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid extra moisture. You can use medium shrimp if large aren’t available, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Butter & Olive Oil: Combining butter and olive oil adds richness and helps prevent butter from burning. If you prefer, use all olive oil for a lighter dish or a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor here. Minced garlic lets the taste spread through the sauce. Garlic powder can be a substitute but won’t be as vibrant.
White Wine or Chicken Broth: White wine adds depth and a bit of acidity. If you’d rather skip alcohol, chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice and water works well.
Lemon: Both juice and zest brighten the dish. If you only have lemon juice, that’s okay—just use a little less and consider adding a pinch of lemon zest if possible for extra zing.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley can work but add it a little earlier in cooking to release its flavor.
How Do I Get Shrimp Perfectly Cooked Without Overdoing It?
Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Follow these tips:
- Heat your pan well and add shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
- Cook shrimp on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Watch closely for a pink color and firm texture—when shrimp curl into a loose “C,” they’re done.
- Remove shrimp immediately from heat to prevent carryover cooking.
- If your shrimp vary in size, start with the largest ones so they cook evenly.
These steps help ensure shrimp stay juicy and tender in your scampi.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil pasta easily and keep it from sticking together.
- Colander – helps drain pasta quickly without losing any noodles.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking shrimp and making the sauce in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring garlic and tossing pasta without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your butter, olive oil, and seasonings just right.
- Citrus juicer or reamer – makes squeezing lemon juice faster and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for a different protein while keeping the buttery garlic sauce.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy kick that pairs well with lemon.
- Stir in baby spinach or arugula near the end for some green color and extra freshness.
- Top with red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to give the dish a little heat and smoky flavor.
Perfect Shrimp Scampi for Any Occasion
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Shrimp:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping (optional):
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll boil the pasta and cook the shrimp and sauce all within a quick 20 minutes—making it perfect for a fast, tasty meal any day of the week.
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. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until your sauce is smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley, stirring to combine.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water little by little if you want a looser sauce. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately, and sprinkle with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just make sure to thaw them fully in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth is a good substitute. You can also use water with a splash of lemon juice to keep the bright flavor.
How Do I Prevent Overcooking the Shrimp?
Cook the shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly. Remove from heat immediately to keep them tender and juicy.
Can I Make Shrimp Scampi Ahead of Time?
For best results, cook shrimp scampi fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce and pasta in advance and combine them with freshly cooked shrimp at serving time for best texture and flavor.
