Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta in Under 30 Minutes

The Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe You’ll Ever Make

This easy Shrimp Scampi is made with fresh wild shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, lemon, and herbs. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means we will earn a commission if you purchase through the links on this page. The product recommendations are solely based on our genuine opinions and experiences. Read the Full Affiliate Disclaimer Here

Juicy Shrimp, Garlic Butter Sauce & Perfect Pasta—All in One Pan

If you’re looking for a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (but really only took 25 minutes), this Shrimp Scampi recipe is it.

It’s got everything: plump wild shrimp, a buttery garlic-lemon sauce, a splash of wine, and fresh herbs.

Whether you toss it with pasta or serve it with a slice of crusty bread, Shrimp Scampi is one of those dishes that never fails to impress—and never sticks around for leftovers.

What Makes This Shrimp Scampi So Good?

Fresh, juicy shrimp seared to perfection. Garlic, butter, and olive oil sizzling in harmony.

White wine and lemon making everything sing. A generous sprinkle of parsley at the end.

It’s simple. It’s fresh. And yes, it’s totally addictive.

Why This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Is Always a Hit in My Kitchen

Shrimp Scampi has always been one of those magical dishes for me—it’s ridiculously simple, but every bite tastes like you’ve pulled off something gourmet.

I love that it’s light, loaded with fresh flavor, and still feels a little indulgent with that buttery lemon-garlic sauce.

And here’s the best part: it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a hero in your own kitchen, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or something a little fancy for date night.

The First Time I Made It…

The first time I made Shrimp Scampi, I was actually trying to recreate a dish I had at a tiny coastal restaurant with my wife.

We were out on the East End of Long Island, just the two of us, and the shrimp tasted like they’d come straight off the boat.

I remember thinking: “That’s it? Garlic, lemon, white wine… and shrimp?” I went home, gave it a try with the freshest ingredients I could find—and honestly, it turned out even better.

Now, my daughters love it too. They dip their bread in the sauce like it’s liquid gold. (They’re not wrong.)

Did You Know?

• Traditional Italian “scampi” actually refers to a type of shellfish – a small lobster-like crustacean called langoustine.
• In the U.S., “Shrimp Scampi” became a popular twist using large shrimp, but kept the garlicky, buttery style.
• Using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled makes the sauce brighter and healthier—it’s packed with vitamin C and aids digestion.

What Makes This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Better Than the Others?

There are a million Shrimp Scampi recipes out there—but this one? This one hits different. Here’s why:

✅ 1. It uses only the freshest, real ingredients

No shortcuts. No jarred garlic. No bottled lemon juice.

Fresh wild shrimp, hand-chopped garlic, real butter, bright lemon, and good olive oil.

It’s clean, bold, and tastes like it came from a seaside trattoria—not a microwave tray.

✅ 2. Balanced flavor—not too greasy, not too acidic

Some recipes drown everything in butter, while others go heavy on the lemon or wine.

This one strikes that perfect balance between richness and brightness. You’ll get buttery garlic flavor without feeling like you just drank a stick of butter.

✅ 3. Fast, but not rushed

From start to finish, this Shrimp Scampi recipe takes 25 minutes or less.

That’s it. And the shrimp stays perfectly juicy because we sear it fast and finish it gently in the sauce—no rubbery seafood here.

✅ 4. Flexible enough for any night

Toss it with pasta for a comforting meal, spoon it over rice, or serve it with crusty bread and a salad for something light and elegant. It adapts to your mood and pantry.

✅ 5. It’s got my heart (and probably yours too)

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s one I’ve made for my wife on date nights, for my daughters when they’re begging for something “fancy,” and even for my dad, who needs food to be both healthy and satisfying.

It’s been tested, loved, and devoured more times than I can count.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi

Whether you’re craving pasta or planning a cozy seafood night, there’s more than one way to enjoy this garlicky, lemony masterpiece.

🍝 1. Shrimp Scampi Pasta (The Classic Way)

Toss your cooked linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair right into the skillet with the scampi sauce and shrimp.

Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-style finish that clings to every strand.

🥖 2. With Crusty Bread

Serve it in a shallow bowl with a big slice of toasted sourdough, ciabatta, or baguette.

The garlic-butter sauce begs to be soaked up. This is how my daughters eat it—no pasta needed!

🍚 3. Over Rice or Risotto

Pour your shrimp and sauce over fluffy white rice or lemony risotto.

It’s comforting, hearty, and great for soaking up all that flavor.

🥬 4. Low-Carb Style

For something lighter, try it over zucchini noodles (zoodles), roasted spaghetti squash, or even sautéed spinach.

Still bold and satisfying, just without the carbs.

Perfect Pairings

• Wine: A crisp white like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry rosé.
• Veggies: Sautéed asparagus, blistered cherry tomatoes, or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Side Dishes: Garlic roasted potatoes, lemony couscous, or even polenta.

Equipment & Tools Needed

• ✅ Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably stainless steel or cast iron)
• ✅ Tongs or spatula (for flipping shrimp)
• ✅ Microplane or fine grater (for lemon zest)
• ✅ Garlic press or sharp knife (for mincing garlic)
• ✅ Citrus juicer or your strong chef hands 💪 (for squeezing fresh lemon)
• ✅ Measuring spoons & measuring cup
• ✅ Cutting board
• ✅ Chef’s knife
• ✅ Small bowl (for seasoning shrimp)
• ✅ Large pot (if serving with pasta)
• ✅ Colander (to drain pasta)
• ✅ Wooden spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring sauce)

The Recipe: Best-Ever Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to impress your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to be at your table)!

This Shrimp Scampi is quick, classy, and loaded with fresh, zesty flavor. Juicy shrimp sizzle in garlicky lemon-butter, finished with a touch of white wine and a sprinkle of herbs—it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.

One bite, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this sooner!

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Recipe by dealiciousness.net

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

A bright, bold, and buttery classic—this Shrimp Scampi features juicy wild shrimp sautéed in garlic, olive oil, and butter, splashed with dry white wine, kissed with fresh lemon, and finished with chopped parsley. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large wild shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for flavor & flair)

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, high-quality and fresh

• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped (yes, six—don’t hold back!)

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• ¼ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)

• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente in salted water

Directions

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer (do this in two batches if needed). Sear 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and curled. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and butter. Once butter melts, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly—don’t let the garlic brown (we want flavor, not bitterness).
• Add the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom.
• Stir in lemon juice and zest, and return shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together to coat. Cook for just 1 more minute until shrimp are warmed through.
• Remove from heat. Add parsley and a final drizzle of olive oil for shine.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately:
  -Over pasta, tossing everything together with a bit of pasta water for silky sauce.
  -Or with toasted sourdough or garlic crostini to mop up every drop.
• If you tried this recipe and loved it, do me a quick favor—give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below! It really helps more people find the recipe, and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

Notes

• Use fresh lemon, not bottled. It makes a world of difference.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook fast and get rubbery if left too long.
• Pair with a crisp white wine and a big smile.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Even Better

• Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Finish your pasta in the pan with the sauce and a splash of pasta water for a silky finish.
• Add in sautéed asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.

Ingredient Substitutions for Shrimp Scampi

No shrimp? No problem. Missing wine? I got you. Here’s how to keep the flavor alive even when you need to make a few swaps.

🦐 1. No Shrimp? Try These:

• Scallops – Sweet and buttery, sear beautifully just like shrimp.
• Clams or Mussels – Add a coastal vibe and soak up the sauce like a dream.
• Chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced) – Not traditional, but it works! Just sear and cook through before making the sauce.

🧄 2. No Fresh Garlic?

Fresh is best, but if you’re out:

• Use 1 tsp garlic powder per 2 cloves—but bloom it in the butter and oil, not before.
• Or jarred minced garlic (not my fave, but it’ll work in a pinch—use about 1 tsp per clove).

🍋 3. No Lemon?

• Try white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar—just 1 to 2 teaspoons for brightness.
• A splash of fresh orange juice also gives a mellow citrus twist.

🍷 4. No White Wine?

• Use chicken broth for a family-friendly version.
• Or vegetable broth with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to keep it zippy.

🌿 5. No Fresh Parsley?

• Substitute fresh basil, chives, or even a pinch of dried Italian seasoning in a pinch.

🧈 6. Dairy-Free?

• Use olive oil only or a plant-based butter substitute.
• The flavor will be slightly lighter, but still totally delicious.

Final Thoughts – Now Go Scampi Like a Pro

There’s something magical about a recipe that’s fast, fresh, and fancy all at once—and this Shrimp Scampi? It checks every box.

You get big, bold garlic flavor, that silky lemon-butter sauce, and juicy shrimp that would make a coastal Nonna proud.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re winning dinner—even if the only thing you measured was your wine pour (no judgment).

Honestly, Shrimp Scampi is one of those recipes that saved me more times than I can count. Company coming over? Scampi.

Wife craving something restaurant-worthy but it’s Tuesday night and I’m still in my apron? Scampi. Kids asking for “fancy noodles”? Scampi again.

And now you’ve got it, too. 💪

If you make this recipe, tag me on social—I love seeing what you’re cooking up! You can find me and all my kitchen chaos over at:

• 📸 Instagram – come for the food, stay for the reels and behind-the-scenes bites
• 📘 Facebook – for recipe drops and tasty tips
• 📌 Pinterest – packed with recipes, cooking hacks, and serious food eye candy
• ▶️ YouTube – where you can actually watch me cook this (and occasionally drop pasta on the floor)
• 🛍️ Dealiciousness Merch Store – for food-lover gear that’s way too good to wear only in the kitchen

So grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of that white wine you didn’t use in the sauce, and get cooking.

Because life’s too short for boring shrimp—and way too short not to dip bread in garlic butter.

Shrimp Scampi FAQ – You Asked, I’m Still Stirring

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure they’re wild-caught if possible and fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of giving them that perfect sear.

Pro tip: defrost them quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes.

2. What kind of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?

Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair are all great.

You want something that’ll twirl nicely and hold onto that garlicky lemon-butter sauce.

I’ve even used fettuccine in a pinch—and guess what? Still delicious.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Sort of. You can prep everything ahead—chop the garlic, zest the lemon, clean the shrimp.

But cook it fresh! Shrimp get rubbery if reheated, and the sauce is at its best right off the heat.

It’s a quick recipe anyway—just set the mood, queue up some music, and enjoy the sizzle.