Easy Shrimp Scampi

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Buttery, garlicky and quick, this easy shrimp scampi is just what you’re looking for in a weeknight family dinner.

This easy shrimp scampi recipe is perfect for when dinner needs to be simple and quick to prepare on a busy weeknight.

There are a few dinners in my repertoire that please everyone in my house, including this pasta dish, these chicken breasts (over salad or alongside a giant pile of roasted veg) and anything with shrimp.

And when I combine pasta and shrimp in a garlicky scampi? <mic drop>

Does weeknight meal-planning stress you out?

I’ve had a few requests to share my shrimp scampi recipe and it’s the perfect fit for this super busy time of year. I know from the comments and emails I receive that I am not alone in pulling my hair out trying to squeeze in meals between my evening chauffeuring responsibilities.

We want fast, but not at the expense of our tastebuds.

Well folks, this is fast. Dinner can be on the table in as much time as it takes your pasta to cook and shrimp is always ideal for weeknights because it cooks so quickly.

Mine is a classic shrimp scampi served over pasta, but don’t be afraid to sneak some vegetables in there by subbing spiralized zucchini or yellow squash noodles for the spaghetti.

I can’t promise that your kids will be as thrilled, but that lemon wine sauce is delicious soaked into those “zoodles”.

Let’s make easy shrimp scampi

1. Gather ingredients including pasta, shrimp, garlic, butter, herbs and lemon.
2. Saute minced garlic in olive oil.
3. Add the shrimp to the garlic and oil.
4. Saute until shrimp is just pink.

5. Add the wine, lemon juice and pasta water.
6. Swirl in the butter.
7. Add the herbs.
8. Add the pasta and toss in the shrimp. Serve!

Tips for success

• Saute the garlic just until fragrant and watch your heat so it doesn’t burn.
• Saute the shrimp just until it turns pink so it stays tender and juicy.
• Don’t throw out that pasta water! The starch in the water will give body to this light butter wine sauce.
• While I normally eschew seafood and cheese, I love a good sprinkle of parmesan over the finished dish.

More tasty shrimp dishes

• Margarita Grilled Shrimp
• Spanish Garlic Shrimp
• Italian Style Shrimp and Grits
• Shrimp and Sausage Skewers

4.5 from 2 votes

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Easy Shrimp Scampi

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

25 mins

 

Buttery, garlicky and quick, this easy shrimp scampi is just what you're looking for in a weeknight family dinner.

Course: Main Dish, Main Dish/Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: shrimp scampi

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 396 kcal

Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For…

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup parsley, minced
• grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 lb spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente according to package directions (reserve 1/2 cup pasta water)

Instructions

1. Melt 2 Tbsp butter with olive oil in a large saute pan set over low heat. Add the garlic and saute for 1-2 mins.

2. Increase the heat to medium and add the red pepper flakes and the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper cook until just pink. Remove the shrimp to a plate and keep warm.

3. Add the white wine, lemon juice, and pasta water to the pan and bring to a boil. Swirl in the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter and then add the parsley.

4. Add the shrimp and pasta to the pan and toss well.
5. Serve with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Recipe Notes

• Saute the garlic just until fragrant and watch your heat so it doesn’t burn.
• Saute the shrimp just until it turns pink so it stays tender and juicy.
• Don’t throw out that pasta water! The starch in the water will give body to this light butter wine sauce.
• While I normally eschew seafood and cheese, I love a good sprinkle of parmesan over the finished dish.

Nutrition Facts

Easy Shrimp Scampi

Amount Per Serving

Calories 396 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 401mg134%

Sodium 1570mg68%

Potassium 202mg6%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 1g4%

Protein 35g70%

Vitamin A 495IU10%

Vitamin C 11.3mg14%

Calcium 237mg24%

Iron 4.4mg24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in September 2017 but was republished with step-by-step photos and tips in February 2020.