Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of white wine and fresh lemon juice. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The authentic Italian version focuses on fresh ingredients, especially garlic, butter, and olive oil, which combine to create a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the delicate shrimp. Let’s dive into the recipe for this timeless seafood dish!
1. Authentic Italian Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for additional brightness)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp
If you haven’t already, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired for presentation. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2. Heat the Pan
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3. Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4. Deglaze with White Wine
Increase the heat slightly and add the white wine to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the liquid to reduce slightly. This will create the base of the rich scampi sauce.
Tip: If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or shrimp stock.
Step 5. Add Lemon Juice and Red Pepper Flakes
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6. Return the Shrimp to the Pan
Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they are coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Step 7. Finish with Fresh Parsley
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. This adds a bright, herby finish to the dish.
Step 8. Serve
Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, spooning the sauce over the shrimp. Garnish with additional lemon wedges on the side and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
Use Fresh, Large Shrimp: Large or extra-large shrimp work best in this recipe because they are meaty and won’t overcook quickly. Fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor, but frozen shrimp (thawed) also work great.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
Use a Good Quality White Wine: The flavor of the wine is important in this dish, so choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay are all great options.
3. Variations
Creamy Shrimp Scampi: For a richer version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after reducing the wine. This will create a velvety, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and pasta.
Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables: Add some vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the skillet for a more colorful and nutritious dish. Sauté the vegetables in the garlic butter sauce before adding the shrimp back to the pan.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the garlic for a spicier version of shrimp scampi. This will give the dish an extra kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic-Lover’s Shrimp Scampi: If you love garlic, feel free to add more! You can use up to 7-8 cloves of garlic for an even bolder garlic flavor.
4. Serving Suggestions
Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta (like linguine or spaghetti) and top with extra parsley and Parmesan.
With Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce.
On Zoodles: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
With a Salad: Pair the shrimp scampi with a simple Caesar salad or arugula salad for a light and fresh meal.
This Authentic Italian Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With garlic, butter, white wine, and fresh lemon juice, this recipe delivers a savory, rich sauce that pairs beautifully with shrimp and pasta.
