Description
This Easy Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful Italian-American dinner featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with lemon juice and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the mixture is hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are almost cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the red pepper flakes and pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then return the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan over the shrimp. Serve immediately accompanied by angel hair pasta, linguine, rice, or crusty bread with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they are done when pink and opaque.
- Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- For extra citrus flavor, add some lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
- Serve the scampi over angel hair pasta, linguine, rice, or paired with toasted bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
