How to Prepare Classic Shrimp Scampi: A Delicious and Simple Recipe
Shrimp Scampi is a classic, mouthwatering pasta dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. With buttery shrimp, garlicky aromas, and tangy lemon flavors, Shrimp Scampi is a dish that’s packed with comfort and taste. Let’s dive into this simple step-by-step guide to make this crowd-pleasing meal at home!
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi is an Italian-American dish that typically features tender shrimp sautéed in butter, olive oil, garlic, and white wine. It’s often served over pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine. The dish is light yet indulgent, with bright flavors from lemon and parsley, and just the right touch of richness from the sauce.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or culinary expertise to make Shrimp Scampi—just a little time and some basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Classic Shrimp Scampi
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, depending on your preference)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Tools:
- Large pot
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer
- Tongs (optional, for handling shrimp)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water—you may need it later to loosen the sauce.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp
Before cooking, make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and rinsed. If you bought shrimp with the tails on, you can leave them for presentation or remove them for easier eating—your choice!
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the shrimp for added flavor.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
Next, add the red pepper flakes (if using) for a hint of spice.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can turn rubbery if left on the heat too long.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 5: Add the White Wine and Lemon Juice
With the shrimp out of the pan, it’s time to make your sauce. Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let the wine simmer for about 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
After the wine has reduced slightly, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing everything well so the shrimp and pasta are coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, pour in a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your flavor preferences.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Shrimp Scampi hot, with lemon wedges on the side. The citrus adds brightness to the dish and balances the rich flavors.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Choose Quality Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work equally well, but make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce and ensures the pasta doesn’t dry out.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Cook them until just opaque to keep them tender.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t use alcohol, you can substitute chicken broth for white wine.
Conclusion
Making Classic Shrimp Scampi at home is easy, fun, and rewarding. In under 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish packed with buttery, garlicky goodness and bright, zesty flavors. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.
Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp! Bon appétit!
