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Home » Recipe Index » Italian

Shrimp Scampi (Quick and Easy)

Published: Feb 8, 2023 by Kris Longwell · This post may contain affiliate links

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A fork being used to hold up cooked pasta that is twirled on the utensil with a sautéed shrimp also attached.

There is just so comforting about a big bowl of delicious pasta. And this shrimp dish hits all the right notes.

This dish is so flavorful, it truly is restaurant-quality. However, the ingredients are simple and straightforward. Serve with a classic Caesar salad, Italian dinner rolls, and a nice bottle of wine for an amazing Italian-themed feast at home. And it comes together in about 30 minutes!

An overhead view of an oval platter filled with shrimp scampi being flanked by lemon wedges and a large golden serving spoon.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

As mentioned, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes

However, you can make it even easier on yourself and sear the shrimp in advance and then finish the sauce off just as guests are arriving.

 

NOTE: If you liked this video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Remember to click the little ‘bell’ icon so you’ll never miss a new video! Thank you!

The Ingredients You Will Need

There truly are just a handful of ingredients in this dish, but they just work beautifully together.

Here’s What You’ll Need to Pick Up

Shrimp – Large, or extra large. Leave the tails on for a pretty presentation.
Salt and Pepper – For the shrimp and for the sauce
Oil – Quality olive oil is best
Garlic – Lots of it!
Wine – Dry and white, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Worcestershire sauce – Adds a subtle depth of flavor
Lemon juice – Plenty of it, freshly squeezed is best
Stock – Chicken, vegetable, or seafood will work
Butter – Unsalted, plenty of it!
Parsley – Freshly chopped, for garnish
Pasta – Linguine is a great choice. Steamed rice is a nice choice, too.

EXPERT TIP: You’ll want to make sure you get your pan/skillet nice and hot. The olive oil should be shimmering before you toss in the garlic. It’s important to stir the garlic constantly. This will lightly brown the garlic, but not burn it. If starting the turn a dark brown, turn off the heat and toss the shrimp in the skillet. The shrimp will be cooked when very pink and curled, about 4 minutes.

An overhead view of pink seared shrimp in a large stainless steel skillet with a wooden spatula off the side.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Mise en Place – Because you’re cooking with shrimp, the dish comes together very quickly. Because it’s important to have all of the ingredients prepped and in their place (aka Mise en Place). You won’t have time to grab anything from the fridge without the danger of overcooking or burning. Plan accordingly for cooking your pasta, too.

Make a Sauce Reduction – You’ll want to make sure you simmer the sauce on fairly high heat for about 7 to 8 minutes. It doesn’t need to be a strong boil, but should be simmering strongly. This will concentrate the flavors and reduce the sauce by about half. There should be enough sauce to coat the pasta, and that’s it. Be sure to save a little sauce on the side for dipping bread slices!

Serve at Once – Though leftovers do heat up perfectly fine (and deliciously), we recommend serving this fresh off the stove just after the shrimp have been added and the butter has melted. Fresh is definitely best with scampi!

EXPERT TIP: After you’ve sautéed the garlic and shrimp, you’ll need to remove it from the pan, and then add the remaining ingredients, except the butter. Simmer on medium-high until the sauce has concentrated, and reduced almost in half. Stir in the butter until melted.

A person using a wooden flat spatula to stir small pallets of butter in a large skillet filled with simmering broth and minced garlic.

How To Serve

As mentioned, we think the sauce and shrimp pair perfectly with pasta cooked al dente (not too mushy!). For an extra special meal, make the pasta from scratch! It’s easier than you might think!

We like to transfer the shrimp and sauce to a large platter with a serving spoon, and then the cooked pasta in a separate bowl. You can toss the pasta with a couple of splashes of olive oil to keep the strands from sticking to each other.

This recipe 3 to people. It can easily be doubled to serve 6 to 8 folks.

EXPERT TIP: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice things up a tiny bit. That’s optional, but we find it’s a wonderful contrast to the lemon and butter. But, remember, a little goes a long way. Or, serve it tableside, and let guests add on their own.

An overhead view of a large silver skillet filled with shrimp scampi in a white wine and butter sauce.

Other Classic Italian or American-Itlain Dishes To Try

You just can’t go wrong with classic Italian dishes or those more associated with Italian-American recipes. Here are a collection of our favorites:

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Francese
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Pasta Primavera
Chicken Piccata
Classic Bolognese Lasagna
White Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
Baked Ziti
Italian Stuffed Shells
Fettuccine with Creamy Sausage Sauce

Now, in the meantime, aren’t you craving a big serving of this shrimp scampi?

Two pasta bowls each filled with a serving of shrimp scampi both sitting next to a glass of white wine.

This is truly Italian-American cuisine at its very best.

This dish will rival any scampi served at just about any restaurant you try.

And it’s so quick and easy! Double win!

A fork being used to hold up cooked pasta that is twirled on the utensil with a sautéed shrimp also attached.

Ready to make one of the best Italian dishes this side of Little Italy, NYC? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!

An overhead view of an oval platter filled with shrimp scampi being flanked by lemon wedges and a large golden serving spoon.

(Quick and Easy) Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi is definitely quick and easy, but the results are without a doubt restaurant-quality. The sauce, alone, is worth writing home about. Serve over linguine or rice, and with plenty of fresh, crusty bread for soaking. So good!
5 from 17 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Italian, Italian / American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 599kcal
Author: Kris Longwell

Video

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet/saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined - leave the tails on (if desired)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 cup quality dry white wine don't use cooking wine!
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 5 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter ½ stick
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lb linguine cooked, if desired

Instructions

  • Lightly season the shrimp all over with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook until translucent and lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the shrimp and sauté until pink and fully cooked, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Transfer cooked shrimp to a platter or plate.
  • In the same pan, over medium-high heat, add the wine, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and stock. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium and cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 6 - 7 minutes.
  • Whisk in butter and season to taste with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
  • Add shrimp to re-heat, tossing to coat well with sauce, for about 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle with parsley, just before serving. Serve directly over pasta or rice, or separately. Serve at once.

Notes

See the video near the top of the blog post for visual guidance. If you liked the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. 
You can leave the tails on the shrimp if desired. Just be sure to remove as much of the shell as possible. 
There should be enough sauce to coat the pasta, however, if you like extra sauce, then double the sauce ingredients (wine, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, chicken stock, and butter). You'll need to let the sauce reduce for about 15 minutes. 
Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up 3 days. Gently reheat on the stove, adding a little more stock, as needed. 

Nutrition

Calories: 599kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 597IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in April 2018, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography and a fabulous new video in February 2023!

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Comments

  1. Lulu says

    June 16, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    If you peeled the shrimp yourself, you can make some shrimp stock to replace all or some of the chicken stock. Put the shells in the same sauté pan you ar going to use for scampi, maybe with couple drops of oil over med high heat. Let them get blustery and slightly brown stir to get all sides. Add some water and simmer for a while

    Reply
  2. Anna M says

    March 10, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    Hello. Thank you for an awesome recipe. Just made it and my family devoured it. I love and appreciate the ease of making this dish. Definitely making this again and again!

    Reply
    • Anna M says

      March 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      Hello. Thank you for an awesome recipe. Just made it and my family devoured it. I love and appreciate the ease of making this dish. Definitely making this again and again!

      Reply
      • krislongwell says

        March 11, 2019 at 3:37 pm

        Hi Anna! That is so awesome to hear and we are thrilled that you and your family loved the dish. Congrats!! Its’ definitely one of our all-time favorite dishes, too!! And thank you so much for letting us know. That means the world to us!! Stay in touch!! Best, Kris & Wesley

  3. Phillip says

    April 29, 2018 at 9:41 pm

    5 stars
    This was delicious! From the ingredients it sounded good, but all together it was incredible, just an explosion of flavors. Instead of shrimp I went with scallops. I did forget one of the post regarding coating the seafood in flour. The sauce was thin, I added a little of some Wonder flour, the sauce thickened perfectly. Thank you so much for the recipe!

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      April 30, 2018 at 11:24 am

      That’s awesome to hear, Phillip! So glad you enjoyed it! It’s definitely one of our favorites! Best, Kris & Wesley

      Reply
    • Keith says

      March 08, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      Best shrimp recipie ive heried. Added pesto-sauce and asparagus. To die for! Excellent combinatoin. Have fun “adjusting” to your taste. This was easy!!

      Reply
      • krislongwell says

        March 09, 2019 at 4:09 pm

        Hi Keith!!

        So glad you liked the recipe and your additions so wonderful!! Best, Kris & Wesley

  4. Sherry says

    April 22, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    I’m in Tulsa and THE shrimp truck is coming up from Galveston on Tuesday. The shrimp is fresh and amazing and I know what I’ll be making Tuesday evening! This ain’t Red Lobster shrimp scampi, is it? I’m so excited to try your recipe.

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      April 23, 2018 at 11:44 am

      Hi Sherry! Oh, you are SOOOO right! This is definitely NOT Red Lobster shrimp scampi!! Don’t miss that Shrimp Truck! 🙂 Let us know how it turns out once you make it! We’re pretty sure you’re gonna love it!! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  5. Chris Haley says

    April 04, 2018 at 9:31 pm

    Hey Guys! 🙂

    Have a lost my mind (please don’t answer) or did this recipe originally call for coating shrimp in flour?

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      April 05, 2018 at 10:21 am

      Hi Chris!

      You have not lost your mind! And sorry for making you a bit crazy! 🙂 I (Kris) am constantly refining recipes, and I updated this recipe without dredging the shrimp in the flour. You can definitely do that, and I love the crunch it adds, but if overdone, it can affect the sauce at the end. I love the simplicity of a quick sear and then build the sauce from there. So, this updated scampi recipe I believe is even better than the previous one. Hope that makes sense!

      Reply
  6. Robin says

    January 09, 2018 at 12:13 am

    It turned out great. I guilded the lily and added lemon zest. Too tart but still great. I like the use of flour to give it texture and flavor.
    Used spaghetti squash as pasta. Winner.
    Thanks!
    Keep up the fun of cooking

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      January 10, 2018 at 8:29 am

      Sounds wonderful! I know what you mean, I just love citrus so much, and it’s sometimes easy to go a bit too much, but I bet it was still delicious! Spaghetti squash…YES! Thanks so much for letting us know, and please stay in touch! Much more fun in the kitchen to come!

      Reply
  7. Gloria says

    December 31, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    5 stars
    Decided to make this for New Year Eve dinner. I usually make this dish during the holidays, I have a recipe, but I saw this and it looked so tasty I had to make it. Two Thumbs up from this Italian. My family originated from Calabria, I don’t remember my grandmother making Shrimp Scampi but since my boyfriend’s grandmother was from the northern part, I’m pretty sure this is how I had this dish.

    The taste is awesome, the right amount of butter and wine, but it was the chicken broth that made it different, but I really like it. I will be making this again, this was saved in my Everything Italian board so I have it for next time. Thank you gentlemen, a wonderful recipe

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      January 02, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Nothing makes us happier than this kind of message. We are so happy and pleased to hear that you and your Italian family enjoyed the recipe. This has been one of our favorite dishes for as long as we can remember.

      We hope you and your loved ones have a joyous 2018 and please stay in touch.

      All the best,
      Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  8. Ariana says

    November 18, 2016 at 11:08 am

    This looks fabulous! I’m so excited to try it but is there a wine in particular you recommend?

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      November 21, 2016 at 5:54 pm

      Thank you, Ariana! A nice dry, but light white is nice. I’d go with a good Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio. Let us know how it turns out! You’re gonna love it! xo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  9. Maggie says

    March 24, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    5 stars
    I like to pin recipes that looks good, but also look for reviews, which are not many. Well, I made this today, and it … Was… Fabulous!! I made it with oven potatoes fries, also from here. This recipe will be fabulous with jasmine rice, pasta… Very happy girl! (And husband )

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      March 25, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Hey there Maggie! Thank you so much! We are thrilled that you liked it. I have to tell you, this is one my all-time favorites. So crunchy, and delicious with the cocktail sauce. Yes! With Jasmine rice, and with pasta! You name it! Thanks again, and stay in touch! Kris (& Wesley)

      Reply
  10. Maureen says

    March 13, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    Made this last night, loved the crunchy shrimp and the sauce was fabulous too. Will be making this again, a new family favorite for sure!

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      March 13, 2016 at 7:56 pm

      Maureen that is so great to hear! This shrimp scampi has been a favorite of ours for a long time. So glad you and your family like it! Cook on! Stay in touch. Kris & Wesley.

      Reply
  11. FunSabrina says

    January 31, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe but with fried tilapia it was awesome.

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      February 01, 2016 at 5:06 pm

      Wow! Sounds great! Love it! Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to try that sometime. Thanks!!

      Reply
  12. Sarah says

    January 25, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely great recipe!! Followed it exactly as written and it turned out as one of the best shrimp recipes I’ve ever made and pleased the whole family of 5!! Which is a rarity that everyone enjoyed it.

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      January 26, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      Awesome Sarah!! That truly makes me smile. we love schrimp scampi!!!!! So glad the family liked it, too. I know that can sometimes be a challenge! Stay in touch! Kris

      Reply
  13. Kelli Bosarge says

    December 09, 2015 at 5:13 pm

    This looks fantastic. I can’t wait to try it! Bookmarking your blog so I can follow regularly. 🙂

    Reply
    • The Loon says

      December 21, 2015 at 10:23 am

      Hi Kelli,

      Please come back often and let us know what you think!

      Reply
  14. Elizabeth Mast says

    August 04, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    5 stars
    My boyfriend and I made this for his family one night, it turned out excellent! The lemon was amazing in this. Thank you!

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      August 05, 2015 at 9:57 am

      Thanks so much for the note, Elizabeth. I am so glad you made this and it was well received by the bf’s family! It’s always nice to keep the extended family happy! This is one of our favorite dishes, for sure. Hope to see you again! Kris

      Reply
  15. Robyn says

    April 10, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    5 stars
    Shrimp, garlic, butter, wine, oh my! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • krislongwell says

      April 16, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      Yummy, right, Robyn? It’s one of our definite favorites!!

      Reply
  16. Ann @ FoodandFont says

    March 02, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    This looks amazing and I’m so in love with our blog. It’s GORGEOUS!

    Reply
    • The Loon says

      March 16, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks, Ann! They are so good and so easy! We LOVE http://www.foodandfont.com, by the way!! Great site!! Kris & Wesley (The Loon)

      Reply
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Kris & Wesley (The Loon) live for fun, food, and fabulousness. "How to Feed a Loon" is a celebration of just that. Come join us on this joyous culinary ride.

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