Light, buttery, and packed with rich garlic flavor, this shrimp scampi recipe delivers restaurant-quality pasta right from your own kitchen. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a silky garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon, white wine, and herbs, creating a dish that feels elegant while remaining incredibly simple to make.
This classic shrimp scampi comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The shrimp cook in minutes while the sauce develops layers of savory, buttery flavor that coat every strand of pasta beautifully.
Whether served with linguine, crusty bread, or a fresh salad, this garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe delivers bright flavor, juicy shrimp, and perfectly balanced richness in every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to perfect shrimp scampi comes down to high heat, fresh garlic, and careful timing.
This recipe gives you:
- Tender, juicy shrimp
- Rich garlic butter sauce
- Bright lemon flavor
- Restaurant-style pasta texture
- Quick cooking time
- Balanced buttery richness
Ingredients
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Fresh parsley
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
Finish with chopped parsley.
5. Serve
Serve immediately with grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.
The shrimp should be tender and juicy while the pasta stays coated in rich garlic butter sauce.
Serving Ideas
This shrimp scampi pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- White wine
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh lemon wedges
The Secret to Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Restaurant-quality shrimp scampi depends heavily on even heat control and proper sautéing surfaces. Using a heavy-duty stainless steel skillet helps develop better flavor while allowing the shrimp to sear quickly without overcooking.
Explore our selection of stainless steel pans to create perfectly cooked shrimp scampi with rich garlic butter sauce and restaurant-style results at home.
