Easy Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is one of those wonderfully simple dishes that feels special without requiring much effort at all. With just a handful of ingredients—shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon, a splash of white wine, and some fresh herbs—you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s incredibly popular because the flavors are bright, rich, and comforting all at once, and it pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or even a light salad. Whether you’re cooking after a long day at work or want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, shrimp scampi is that perfect go-to dish that always tastes like you went the extra mile.

Tips for making the best Shrimp Scampi

• Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and within reach before you start cooking. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so you don’t want to be digging through the fridge for the wine while it’s already in the pan. Once shrimp overcooks, it becomes rubbery and tough — and there’s really no way to fix it.

• Cooking the shrimp in a mix of butter and olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning. You can use only butter, but it will brown as it cooks. (Browned butter does add flavor, so it’s not a bad thing — it just changes the taste slightly.) I personally like the balance you get from using both.

• Extra-large or jumbo shrimp (or prawns) work beautifully in shrimp scampi because they stay plump, juicy, and flavorful. If wild-caught shrimp are available, go with those — they usually have better texture and taste than farm-raised varieties.

• Use a white wine you’d actually enjoy drinking. Sauvignon Blanc works especially well, but Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay are also great choices.

Shrimp Scampi without the wine

Sure you can omit the wine if you prefer or a teetotaler with be enjoying the meal. Just use chicken broth instead.

Can I omit the Pasta?

Yes you can omit the pasta. Just serve the Scampi on it’s own with your favorite vegetable sides or a salad. Or you can serve it over rice if you wish.

Savorly Dish

Easy Shrimp Scampi

Buttery Garlic Shrimp & Linguini

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 16 oz package of Linguini
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 stick pure sweet cream butter
• 6 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 pint grape tomatoes – halved
• 2 tbsp grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• 1 pasta pot
• 1 saute pan

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook linguine at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink; transfer to a large bowl. Toss with a little olive oil
   
2. Heat olive oil and butter together in large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted. Add garlic; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes.
   
3. Stir in wine, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper flakes
   
4. Add shrimp; cook, stirring frequently, 4 to 5 minutes.
   
5. Stir in tomatoes; cook 1 minute. Toss scampi with linguine to combine. Sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese and parsley; toss until combined.
   
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!