Simple Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Easy, Fast, and Bursting with Garlic Butter and Lemon Flavor 🦐🍋

Introduction

There are few dishes as fast, flavorful, and fancy-looking as Simple Shrimp Scampi. With its roots in Italian-American cuisine, this garlicky, buttery shrimp dish is the kind of weeknight dinner that makes you feel like you’re dining at a high-end bistro—minus the cost or complexity.

In this detailed guide, we’re diving into everything you need to master the ultimate shrimp scampi. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned home chef, this guide walks you through every step, technique, and trick to make the best shrimp scampi every single time.

Expect bold flavor from garlic and lemon, a silky butter sauce, and tender shrimp that cook in just minutes. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread—and you’ve got a five-star meal on your hands.

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What is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp Scampi refers to shrimp cooked in a garlic, lemon, butter, and sometimes white wine sauce, often served over pasta. While “scampi” originally refers to a small European lobster, the Americanized version uses shrimp instead and has become a restaurant and home-cooking staple.

The word “scampi” has evolved to mean shrimp cooked with garlic and butter—usually sautéed quickly and finished with lemon juice and herbs. The dish is popular not only for its taste but for how quickly it comes together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speed

This entire meal cooks in under 30 minutes, including prep.

Minimal Ingredients

You likely already have most items in your pantry or fridge.

Elegant Presentation

It looks like it took way more effort than it actually did—perfect for date nights or last-minute dinner guests.

Incredible Flavor

With garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp, the balance of rich and bright flavors is irresistible.

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Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of simple, easy-to-find ingredients for classic shrimp scampi.

• 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or non-alcoholic white grape juice for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 box linguine or angel hair pasta (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

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How to Make Simple Shrimp Scampi

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Make sure shrimp are thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat dry with paper towels. This step is essential to avoid a watery sauce.

2. Cook the Pasta (if using)

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

3. Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not burn the garlic.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside on a plate.

5. Make the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth (or grape juice), scraping any brown bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Finish the Sauce

Add remaining butter and lemon juice. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is glossy.

7. Combine

Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. If serving with pasta, add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss well.

8. Serve

Plate immediately with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

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Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook fast—overcooking leads to rubbery texture.
• Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the whole dish.
• Add pasta water: It helps the sauce cling to pasta.
• Finish with cold butter: This creates a creamy, emulsified sauce.
• Use raw shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp won’t absorb flavor the same way.

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Serving Suggestions

With Pasta: Angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti are traditional.

Without Pasta: Serve over white rice, risotto, or steamed veggies like zucchini or asparagus.

Low-Carb Option: Spoon shrimp over sautéed spinach, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles.

Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted green beans.

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Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving with pasta)

• Calories: 500–550 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 2g

Reduce calories by omitting pasta or using whole grain alternatives.

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Variations and Customizations

• Creamy Scampi: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a rich texture.
• Spicy Scampi: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Herby Scampi: Mix in fresh basil or thyme.
• Zesty Scampi: Use lemon zest along with juice for added citrus punch.
• Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta or serve with rice or veggies.

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Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead: You can prep the garlic, parsley, and shrimp ahead of time.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Freezing: Not ideal—shrimp texture can become mushy after thawing.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: What size shrimp should I use?
Large (21/25 count) or extra-large (16/20 count) work best.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Technically yes, but they won’t absorb flavor or texture as well. Only heat briefly to avoid overcooking.

Q: Do I need white wine?
No. This version uses chicken broth or white grape juice as a wine-free substitute.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter alternatives. Olive oil alone may result in a thinner sauce.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is highly recommended for brightness.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly, thanks to red pepper flakes. You can omit or adjust to taste.

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Conclusion

Simple Shrimp Scampi is the kind of dish that proves cooking at home doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. With just a few everyday ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can create something that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. The buttery garlic sauce, the fresh zing of lemon, and the tender shrimp come together in a way that’s both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this shrimp scampi is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s endlessly versatile, incredibly flavorful, and just downright satisfying.

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