Description

Get ready to fall in love with this quick, buttery, and flavor-packed Classic Shrimp Scampi—a top-tier choice for anyone craving an easy dinner, healthy seafood option, or fresh weeknight pasta idea. Juicy shrimp are bathed in a luscious garlic-lemon butter sauce, tossed with pasta, and finished with a pop of fresh herbs. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort, all done in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner recipes, seafood pasta dishes, or satisfying food ideas that won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening, this shrimp scampi delivers every time.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon (plus zest if desired)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
Salt for pasta water
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add white wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
Stir in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish with chopped parsley and optional lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes