Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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Easy Shrimp Scampi is a delicious shrimp and pasta recipe that is simple to make and perfect for when you're short on time. It is savory, flavorful, and the ultimate weeknight dinner!

This recipe is inspired by the version of Baked Shrimp Scampi that is finished in the oven in a baking dish. It is simple and just as delicious. Pair it with a delicious side dish recipe of Oven Roasted Broccoli.

It's a great night to have pasta, but then again any night of the week is a great time for pasta. Especially when you add in some shrimp and a tasty white wine sauce. But let me ask you something, am I the only person that feels as though shrimp scampi is one of those recipes that sounds so elegantly complicated when you say it by name that you do not dare to give it a try because you are almost 100% sure that you'll mess it up.

I mean let's face it when you see the word shrimp followed by scampi don't you just think that you'll need a culinary degree to even attempt it? Well surprisingly, it's actually is a simple recipe to make and uses of few ingredients that may perhaps already have in your kitchen.

I love a recipe that does not require me to make an extra trip to the store for ingredients!

Ingredient Notes

1. Butter - Use salted butter for the most flavor, but if you prefer unsalted, that will work as well.
2. Olive oil - This is mixed with the butter to begin the process of making the sauce mixture.
3. Onion - Any onion that you prefer is fine. Try yellow or white onion and chop it into small even pieces.
4. Garlic - Use fresh garlic and mince it yourself for the best results.
5. Shrimp - To make the process easier, use uncooked shrimp that has already been peeled and deveined.
6. White wine - Instead of cooking wine, go with regular drinking white wine instead.
7. Lemon - Use fresh lemon juice.
8. Red pepper flakes - This ingredient is optional to add a bit of spice and heat to the recipe.
9. Salt - Use more if you're using unsalted butter.
10. Ground black pepper - Freshly ground black pepper.
11. Pasta - For this recipe I used angel hair pasta, but feel free to use any pasta that you prefer or have on hand.
12. Basil - Chop up some fresh basil.
13. Parsley - Chop some fresh parsley.
14. Parmesan cheese - Finish this pasta dish with some grated Parmesan cheese. This is optional, but adds another layer of flavor.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions

Begin the recipe by bringing some water in a large pot to a boil to add the pasta to cook. You want to have this hot and ready to go. Using a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and once heated, add the butter. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the shrimp to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Squeeze in lemon juice and slowly add in white wine, the rest of the butter, salt, ground black pepper, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low.

Add the pasta to the pot with boiling water. Cook the pasta until al dente. Once done drain the pasta water reserving a cup or two of the pasta water for the sauce.

Carefully remove the skillet from the heat. Add the pasta and toss. Add the pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired level of consistency. More water for a thinner sauce and less water for a thicker sauce.

Feel free to taste if additional seasoning (salt and ground black pepper) if needed. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Be sure to save some of the pasta water to add to the sauce to make is as thick or thin as you prefer.
• Try your best not to overcook the shrimp. It will only take a few minutes for them to begin to cooking and they will continue to cook during the rest of the process. Overcooking will make the shrimp rubbery and tough.
• Use uncooked shrimp that has been cleaned, peeled, and deveined.
• I prefer to use angel hair pasta when making this recipe, but feel free to use any pasta that you would like and cook according to package instructions.

Equipment

The only equipment needed to make this recipe is a stockpot or saucepan to make the pasta. A large non-stick skillet or cast-iron skillet to make the sauce and a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir.

Storage

Store any pasta leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Original post date 02/17/2016. Updated 09/16/2021.

More Shrimp Recipes

• Baked Shrimp Scampi
• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Sesame Shrimp
• Easy Shrimp and Grits

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use this recipe for Easy Shrimp Scampi? Please share them in the comments below!