How to Make the Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Italian American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian American pasta dish featuring plump shrimp sauteed in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce. This elegant yet simple recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant quality flavor in every bite.
Why this recipe works
This Shrimp Scampi recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Garlic
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant but do not allow the garlic to brown.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl into a C shape. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2 minutes until the wine reduces by half, then stir in the remaining butter until melted and glossy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta and shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dry white wine → chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon
- linguine pasta → angel hair pasta or spaghetti
- unsalted butter → vegan butter for a dairy free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the shrimp past the point where they form an O shape which makes them rubbery and tough
- Using pre cooked shrimp which results in a dry and chewy texture
- Adding too much pasta water at once which makes the sauce watery instead of silky
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 32g protein, 48g carbs, 20g fat, 2g fiber.
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