Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Plump, juicy shrimp are pan-seared and bathed in a luxurious garlic, white wine, and lemon-butter sauce. Tossed with al dente linguine and fresh parsley, this classic Italian-American dish is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 2 tablespoons of salt, then add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season them generously with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté aromatics and cook shrimp: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the garlic and red chili flakes and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the scampi sauce: Pour the white wine and lemon juice into the hot skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Reduce the heat to low.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Emulsify and combine: Add the remaining cold butter cubes to the skillet, one piece at a time, whisking constantly until each piece is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and emulsified. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and the chopped parsley.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and serve: Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with 1/4 cup) until it reaches a silky consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use cold butter for the sauce. Adding cold butter to the warm liquid off the heat helps create a stable, creamy emulsion rather than a greasy, broken sauce.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure they sear properly instead of steaming.
- 3The starchy pasta water is a crucial ingredient. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and gives it a beautiful, glossy finish.
- 4Use a high-quality dry white wine. If you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it, as the flavor concentrates during reduction.
- 5Patting the shrimp completely dry is key to getting a good sear and preventing a watery sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce at the end, or add halved cherry tomatoes or steamed asparagus for extra nutrients and color.
Make it CreamyMake it Creamy
For a richer sauce, reduce the butter by half and stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the lemon juice and wine.
Spicy ScampiSpicy Scampi
Increase the red chili flakes to 1 full teaspoon or add a finely minced fresh red chili along with the garlic for a significant heat boost.
Lemony HerbLemony Herb
Add 1 tablespoon of capers and the zest of one lemon to the sauce for a brighter, more piquant flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp provides a high-quality source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp is one of the best dietary sources of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system and thyroid function.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Immune-Boosting Properties
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Garlic Shrimp Scampi can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein from the shrimp and contains healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil. However, it is also high in calories and saturated fat due to the butter. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter, use whole wheat pasta, and add vegetables like spinach or broccoli.