Traditional Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp scampi is a timeless dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a symphony of garlic, butter, and seafood flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Here’s how to make classic shrimp scampi like a pro, along with tips to perfect the dish every time.

What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American dish inspired by the original Italian recipe that used scampi, small pink crustaceans. In the United States, shrimp replaced scampi due to availability, creating the beloved dish we know today. The sauce features garlic, butter, white wine, lemon juice, and parsley, balancing richness with zesty freshness.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Prep Ahead: This recipe comes together quickly, so measure and prepare all ingredients before you start cooking.

• Devein Shrimp: Removing the dark tract along the shrimp’s back ensures a cleaner flavor.

• Adjust Heat: Add red pepper flakes to taste, using 1/4 teaspoon for mild heat or 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier kick.

• Wine Substitutes: Use chicken broth with a teaspoon of lemon juice if you prefer to avoid wine.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Let shrimp scampi cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat, then toss the pasta and shrimp until heated through.

Ingredients

• Kosher salt

• 12 ounces linguine

• 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1/3 cup dry white wine

• Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus wedges for serving

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook as directed on the package. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain.

2. Sauté the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until golden (30 seconds to 1 minute). Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp to a plate.

3. Make the Sauce: Add wine and lemon juice to the skillet, simmering until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes.

4. Combine Everything: Return the shrimp (and any juices) to the skillet along with the linguine, butter, and 1/2 cup reserved cooking water. Toss until the butter is melted and shrimp is heated through, about 2 minutes. Add more cooking water if needed.

5. Finish and Serve: Season with salt, stir in parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Why You’ll Love It

Shrimp scampi is the perfect blend of bold garlic, buttery richness, and refreshing citrus flavors. With minimal effort and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.

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