20-Minute Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Easy, Delicious & Restaurant-Style Pasta
There’s something magical about a good Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It feels like a restaurant dinner, yet it’s truly one of the fastest meals I make for my family. Buttery shrimp. Fresh garlic sizzling in the pan. A squeeze of lemon. And pasta that soaks up every delicious drop.
It’s the kind of dish I reach for after a busy day… when I want to look like I tried hard, even though the whole dinner took just 20 minutes. My kids adore it. My husband always asks for seconds. And honestly? I appreciate any meal that lets me feel like a chef without needing a culinary degree.
If you’ve never made shrimp scampi before, you’re about to fall in love.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- 20 minutes from fridge to table
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- One-pan sauce and easy cleanup
- Tastes like a restaurant favorite
- Kid-approved flavor
- Works with pasta, bread, rice… anything!
That buttery garlic aroma? Absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Shrimp Scampi
For the Shrimp & Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp kosher salt for boiling water
- Fresh Parmesan to serve
How to Make Shrimp Scampi (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta to al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Season & Sear the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Add oil + 1 tbsp butter to skillet over medium-high.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
- Add remaining butter to the same skillet.
- Add garlic and chili flakes — cook 30 seconds.
- Pour wine (or broth) and reduce by half.
- Stir in lemon zest + lemon juice.
- Taste and season.
4️⃣ Combine & Serve
- Put shrimp back into sauce.
- Add pasta + splash of pasta water.
- Toss until glossy and coated.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Don’t overcook shrimp — remove as soon as they curl into a “C”
- Fresh lemon + fresh garlic make a big difference
- Emulsify sauce with pasta water
- Taste and adjust lemon slowly
- Use good butter for rich flavor
Small tweaks. Big results.
Variations You Can Try
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: add ¼ cup heavy cream
- Extra Spicy: add more chili flakes
- Low-Carb: serve over zucchini noodles
- Bread Lovers: skip pasta and serve with crusty baguette
This one recipe can become many!
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans or broccoli
It’s a perfect date-night-at-home dinner too!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Store in airtight container up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet with splash of broth
- Avoid microwaving — shrimp goes rubbery fast
Short reheats only if needed!
Shrimp Scampi FAQs
What is scampi?
A style of cooking shrimp in garlic, butter, and wine — Italian roots with American flair.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat dry first.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and skip cheese.
Can I double this for guests?
Yes — use a bigger skillet for even cooking.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you love recipes like this shrimp scampi, try these next:
- Shrimp and Grits Recipe — creamy and comforting
- Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki — fresh and flavorful
- Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer — party perfect
Let’s Cook Together!
Thank you for cooking with me today! If this Shrimp Scampi Recipe becomes a favorite in your house like it is in mine, let me know. I’d love to see your photos and hear how dinner turned out.
You deserve delicious meals that don’t take hours. And I’m right here cheering you on — always!
Print
20-Minute Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Easy, Delicious & Restaurant-Style Pasta
A fast, buttery, garlicky Shrimp Scampi recipe that tastes like a restaurant meal but comes together in just 20 minutes. Bright lemon, tender shrimp, and a silky sauce make this a family favorite weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
- Fresh Parmesan to serve
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in wine or broth and simmer until reduced by half. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Add pasta along with a splash of pasta water and toss until glossy and well coated.
- Finish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they curl into a C-shape. Fresh garlic and lemon give the best flavor. For variations: add cream for a richer sauce, increase chili flakes for heat, or serve over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
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