Dinner

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Name: Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine (or spaghetti or angel hair); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined); 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ⅓ cup white wine; Juice of one lemon; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

ByIsabella Vance November 10, 2025November 10, 2025

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Introduction

Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that perfectly balances tender shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce. It’s quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with linguine or your favorite pasta. This flavorful recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

A white bowl filled with long, light golden spaghetti noodles evenly mixed with medium-sized orange and pink cooked shrimp, topped with small green parsley bits. Two vintage silver spoons rest on the right side of the bowl, one holding a shrimp. Around the bowl, there are two clear glasses filled with a light yellow drink, a small white dish with coarse salt, a small white plate holding two lemon wedges, and a gray and white checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound linguine (spaghetti or angel hair can also be used)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
⅓ cup white wine
Juice of one lemon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt, and cook the pasta according to your package directions.
Step 2: Carefully remove ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta into a colander.
Step 3: Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
Step 4: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Add the shrimp to the heated pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional minute.
Step 7: Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan, stirring until the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 8: Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes, then bring the sauce to a low simmer.
Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it well with the shrimp and sauce.
Step 10: If the sauce seems dry, stir in a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 11: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half the butter with extra virgin olive oil.
Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for a fresh vegetable boost.
Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary preferences.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.