Name: Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 3/4 cup white wine; 1/4 cup packed chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 lemon); 1 pound shrimp, peeled and de-veined; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper; Lemon wedges, for garnish; Noodles, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 53 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, garlicky flavor and comes together in a flash, this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. The tender, juicy shrimp swim in a luscious sauce made from butter, white wine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice—creating an irresistible combination that’s both elegant and comforting. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that feels special but is easy enough for any weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of a shiny silver pan on a white marbled surface, showing small brown and white pieces frying in bubbling golden oil. A white container is pouring a light yellow liquid into the center of the pan, creating a small splash and mixing with the oil and ingredients. The pan's handle extends to the right side of the image. The colors are warm and natural, highlighting the cooking process clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique element: richness from butter, brightness from lemon, aromatic depth from garlic, and a fresh finish from parsley. Using these simple staples ensures that every bite is flavorful and perfectly balanced.

Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps create a silky sauce that clings to the shrimp.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Combines with butter to prevent burning and lends a fruity undertone.
Garlic (thinly sliced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes that make scampi unforgettable.
White wine: Adds acidity and depth, reducing to intensify the flavors.
Fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brightens the dish visually and refreshes the palate with a herbal touch.
Shrimp (peeled and de-veined): The star of the show, tender and succulent, ready to soak up the delicious sauce.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Freshly-squeezed lemon juice: Provides that essential zing and freshness that pulls everything together.
Lemon wedges (optional): Perfect for extra brightness and garnish when serving.
Noodles (optional): A great base if you want to serve the shrimp atop a comforting bed of pasta.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Olive Oil with Garlic

Start by adding butter and extra-virgin olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter melts, toss in the thinly sliced garlic and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and just begins to brown. This step sets the flavor foundation, making the dish irresistibly aromatic and buttery.

Step 2: Reduce White Wine

Pour the white wine into the skillet, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 7 to 10 minutes to reduce the volume by half. This reduction concentrates the wine’s flavor, creating a tangy, slightly sweet base that perfectly complements the shrimp.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

While your wine is reducing, sprinkle the peeled and de-veined shrimp with fine sea salt and cracked black pepper. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Seasoning the shrimp beforehand ensures each bite is perfectly flavored from the first mouthful.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp in Batches

Turn the heat back to medium-high. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to your skillet in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap—this allows them to sear beautifully rather than steam. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl up. Remove cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside, then repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp with Sauce

Once all the shrimp are cooked, turn off the heat. Return the shrimp to the skillet and add freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped flat-leaf parsley. Toss everything together gently to coat the shrimp in the vibrant, flavorful sauce. This final step brings brightness and freshness, making each bite absolutely delightful.

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

A white oval plate with a thin blue rim holds a layer of cooked shrimp covered in a glossy golden sauce with bits of green herbs scattered all over. The shrimp are pinkish with some slightly more orange, and their tails are still attached. In the upper right corner of the plate, there are two lemon wedges adding a bright yellow color. A large spoon with a woven brown handle rests on the left side of the plate. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a touch of extra elegance and flavor, garnish with lemon wedges that guests can squeeze over their shrimp. A sprinkle of additional fresh parsley not only livens up the plate but also adds a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of warm, al dente noodles to soak up every drop of sauce. Alternatively, pair it with fluffy rice, nutty orzo, or even crispy roasted potatoes to add texture and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful by plating the shrimp scampi in a shallow bowl alongside a colorful salad for a light, fresh dinner. Or, use it as a filling for garlic butter toasted baguettes, turning this classic into a delightful appetizer or casual fun meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. This is perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner the next day, as the flavors actually deepen slightly overnight.

Freezing

While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately without the noodles or fresh parsley. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Reheating slowly will maintain that delicious saucy texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe as usual. Using fresh or thawed shrimp ensures even cooking and the best texture.

What kind of white wine works best?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs beautifully. Avoid anything too sweet, as you want the wine to add acidity and brightness without overpowering the garlic and lemon flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The core recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as it focuses on shrimp and the buttery wine sauce. Just omit the noodles or swap in gluten-free pasta or a rice-based side to keep things safe and delicious.

How can I make the sauce richer?

If you’re craving an extra indulgent touch, finish the sauce by stirring in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end, off the heat. This will add silkiness without masking the bright ingredients that make this recipe so beloved.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe keeps things mild and flavorful without any heat. However, if you love a little kick, feel free to toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for a subtle spicy note.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that feels both luxurious and effortless, and this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe hits that balance perfectly. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s guaranteed to become a go-to when you want to impress or just enjoy a simply delicious meal. Go ahead and try it tonight; your taste buds will thank you!