Classic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Garlic Butter

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When it comes to quick, elegant, and flavor-packed dinners, Classic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Garlic Butter absolutely tops the list. This timeless seafood pasta dish balances the richness of butter, the brightness of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the freshness of herbs—all wrapped around succulent shrimp and perfectly al dente pasta.

Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, a weeknight family dinner, or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this shrimp scampi delivers big on both taste and presentation. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this dish shine in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp scampi is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It’s:

  • Fast and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Elegant yet unfussy – Perfect for entertaining or casual dinners
  • Customizable – Easily adapted for dietary preferences
  • Light yet satisfying – Thanks to lemon juice and herbs

This recipe is ideal for seafood lovers and anyone who appreciates a fresh, zesty pasta dish with minimal cleanup and maximum payoff. It’s also great for beginner cooks who want to practice building a flavorful pan sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Classic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Garlic Butter:

For the Scampi:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) 🍷
  • Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
  • Zest of 1 lemon 🍋
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 🌿

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti 🍝
  • Salt, for pasta water 🧂
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Tongs or pasta fork
  • Microplane or fine grater (for zesting lemon)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water—it can help emulsify and thin the sauce later. Drain the pasta and toss with a bit of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help them sear properly. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

3. Cook the Shrimp & Build the Base

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—careful not to brown the garlic.

Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.

4. Deglaze & Make the Sauce

In the same pan, pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and fresh lemon juice. Scrape up the delicious browned bits from the pan—this builds flavor. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and lemon zest. Let the sauce come together into a glossy, buttery emulsion.

5. Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is coated in the lemon garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or sticky, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve and Garnish

Plate your shrimp scampi and garnish with extra lemon wedges. A sprinkle of parsley or even a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese (non-traditional but delicious) adds a lovely finish.

Tips for Success

  • Use fresh shrimp if available. Frozen shrimp work just fine, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook fast! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
  • Deglazing with wine adds incredible flavor, but chicken broth is a great substitute for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if your lemon is especially tart—this balances the acidity.
  • Cook pasta al dente – It will finish cooking slightly in the sauce.

Variations & Swaps

  • Spaghetti alternatives: Try it with angel hair, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
  • Add veggies: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make excellent additions.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a luscious creamy sauce.
  • Heat things up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more kick.
  • Herb twist: Basil, chives, or even a little dill can change the herb profile beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? No problem. Store any extra shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat:

  • Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
  • Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long to prevent overcooking.

Note: Shrimp are best fresh, but this dish reheats decently if done gently.

Pairing Suggestions

Wine:

  • White wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay complements the lemony butter sauce beautifully.

Sides:

  • A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a bright counterpoint.
  • Try with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
  • Roasted vegetables like broccolini or asparagus add nutrition and color to the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth is a great substitute. You can also use seafood stock or a mix of broth and a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely—use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan. The sauce will still be flavorful and silky.

Is shrimp scampi spicy?

Not inherently, but the optional red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat. Adjust to your preference.

Can I make it ahead?

Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead—mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and clean the shrimp to save time.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Garlic Butter is everything a weeknight dinner should be: fast, full of flavor, and simple to prepare. It’s also versatile enough to dress up for special occasions. With bright citrus,

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