Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

This Shrimp Scampi Recipe without wine is made with shrimp, butter, broth, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, parmesan and parsley.

The term "scampi" originally referred to a type of small lobster found in the Mediterranean. However, in Italian-American cuisine, it is now commonly used to describe a dish made with shrimp prepared in a similar style. Shrimp scampi is a popular dish at Italian-American restaurants and is often served as an appetizer or main course. It's also a favorite among seafood lovers. Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The dish can be made in just a few minutes with a handful of simple ingredients.

The actual scampi dish in Italy is served alone without the pasta, although the Italian Americans combined the dish with pasta and named the dish Shrimp Scampi. Truth is, the best shrimp scampi made from scratch couldn’t be simpler and literally takes minutes to prepare.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp or my Creamy Shrimp in Coconut Milk Sauce.

Jump to:

• What is Shrimp Scampi?
• Why is shrimp scampi so great?
• Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Shrimp Scampi
• What to serve with Shrimp Scampi
• Substitutions
• Shrimp Scampi Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Shrimp Scampi
• Shrimp Scampi Recipe Top tips
• Shrimp Scampi Recipe
• Food safety

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of large shrimp that have been sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine, and often finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and parsley. It's typically served as an appetizer or main course, and can be enjoyed on its own or served over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. The dish has a rich and savory flavor with a slight tang from the wine and lemon juice, and the shrimp are tender and succulent. It's a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why is shrimp scampi so great?

• Delicious flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice creates a rich, savory flavor that's hard to resist. The shrimp are tender and succulent, and the sauce is flavorful and tangy.
• Quick and easy: Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and impressive dish on the table in no time.
• Versatile: Shrimp scampi can be served as an appetizer or main course, and can be enjoyed on its own or served over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. The dish is also versatile in terms of ingredients, as you can add or omit ingredients based on your preferences.
• Elegant yet simple: Shrimp scampi is a dish that feels elegant and sophisticated, but is actually quite simple to make. It's a great option for a dinner party or special occasion, as it's impressive but doesn't require a lot of effort.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Shrimp
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic
• White wine
• Broth
• Lemons
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan
• Parsley

See recipe card for Shrimp Scampi without Wine quantities.

How to make Shrimp Scampi

Bring large pot to a boil and add salt. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.

Hint: Shrimp cooks fast to make sure not to overcook the shrimp.

What to serve with Shrimp Scampi

• Pasta: Shrimp scampi is traditionally served over linguine or spaghetti, making it a great option for a pasta dinner. Cook the pasta al dente and toss it with a little bit of olive oil or butter before adding the shrimp and sauce.
• Bread: Shrimp scampi is often served with a crusty Italian bread for dipping into the sauce. You can also serve garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad can be a great contrast to the rich and savory shrimp scampi. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a great option.
• Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables can be a healthy and flavorful side dish to serve with shrimp scampi. Asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers are all great options.
• Rice or Quinoa: Another option for serving shrimp scampi is to serve it over rice or quinoa. This is a great option if you want a gluten-free or low-carb alternative to pasta.

Substitutions

Shrimp: For best quality shrimp, go to your local fish market. You can use previously frozen shrimp, although for best taste, use fresh shrimp. 

Garlic: For best results, use fresh garlic.

Red pepper flakes: The red pepper flakes are totally optional, but for those who need a spicy kick, it complements the dish perfectly.

Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for good quality scampi.

Chicken broth: I love using chicken broth but you could also use vegetable broth. 

Shrimp Scampi Recipe Variations

• Lemon and Herb Shrimp Scampi: This variation adds a fresh, herby flavor to the dish by incorporating fresh parsley, basil, and thyme. Lemon zest and juice also brighten up the dish.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: In this variation, garlic butter is used instead of olive oil to cook the shrimp and create the sauce. The result is a rich and buttery shrimp scampi.
• Spicy Shrimp Scampi: For those who like a little heat, adding red pepper flakes or chili flakes to the dish can give it a spicy kick. You can also add diced jalapeno or serrano peppers to the dish.
• Creamy Shrimp Scampi: To make a creamy shrimp scampi, you can add heavy cream or half-and-half to the dish. This will create a rich and creamy sauce that pairs well with pasta.
• Wine and Tomato Shrimp Scampi: This variation adds diced tomatoes and white wine to the dish to create a flavorful and slightly tangy sauce. The tomatoes also add a pop of color to the dish.

Check out this Rock Shrimp Tempura.

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan: You will need a large skillet or sauté pan to cook the shrimp and make the sauce.
• Cutting board and knife: You will need to chop the garlic, parsley, and other ingredients, so a cutting board and knife will be necessary.
• Garlic press (optional): If you prefer, you can use a garlic press to mince the garlic instead of chopping it.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You will need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients.
• Tongs or a spatula: You will need tongs or a spatula to flip the shrimp and stir the sauce.
• Pasta pot (optional): If you plan to serve the shrimp scampi with pasta, you will also need a large pot to boil the pasta.

How to store Shrimp Scampi

1. Refrigerate promptly: As with all cooked foods, you should refrigerate shrimp scampi as soon as possible after it has finished cooking. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the food safe to eat.
2. Use an airtight container: Transfer the shrimp scampi to an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the shrimp from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge and keeps the dish fresh.
3. Eat within a few days: Shrimp scampi will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, but it's best to eat it within the first two days for optimal freshness and flavor.
4. Don't freeze: Shrimp scampi doesn't freeze well, as the texture of the shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. It's best to enjoy the dish while it's fresh.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe Top tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Since shrimp scampi is a simple dish with few ingredients, it's important to use the freshest ingredients possible. Choose fresh, plump shrimp and use fresh garlic and lemon for the best flavor.
• Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and start to curl, which usually takes only a few minutes.
• Use plenty of garlic: Garlic is a key ingredient in shrimp scampi and adds a lot of flavor. Use plenty of minced garlic in your recipe to make the dish taste delicious.
• Add a touch of spice: Some shrimp scampi recipes call for red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to add a little heat to the dish. Experiment with adding a touch of spice to your recipe to see if you like it.
• Serve with crusty bread: Shrimp scampi is typically served with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Choose a good-quality bread or pasta that will complement the flavors in the dish.
• Finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped herbs like parsley or basil at the end of cooking will brighten the flavors and make the dish taste even better.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.