Our Best Shrimp Scampi Recipes

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that showcases the delicate flavor of shrimp paired with garlic, butter, and white wine. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Here are some of our best shrimp scampi recipes that will elevate your dining experience with their rich flavors and simplicity.

Our Best Shrimp Scampi Recipes

1. Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked pasta (linguine or spaghetti) or crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Add Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the sauce reduce slightly.
4. Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet to coat with the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread.

2. Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
3. Create the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

3. Lemon Basil Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup dry white wine
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
• Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, then add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until they turn pink.
3. Add Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

4. Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• ½ cup dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
2. Add Wine and Zucchini Noodles: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, and add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
3. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately for a light, healthy dinner.

5. Spicy Shrimp Scampi Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Sauté Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
2. Prepare Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with spicy shrimp and top with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
3. Serve: Squeeze lime juice over the top and enjoy your delicious shrimp tacos!

Final Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi:

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp has the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed and patted dry.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
• Enhance the Flavor: Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers.
• Pair with Wine: A nice white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with shrimp scampi.

Shrimp scampi is a delightful dish that can be adapted in various ways, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or hosting friends, these recipes will help you create a flavorful meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!