Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Craving a light yet flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash? This Shrimp Scampi Recipe brings tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and a garlicky kick together in a dish that’s perfect for a solo dinner or an impressive date night. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. With its bold flavors and easy prep, this Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a seafood lover’s dream that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Succulent Shrimp: Perfectly poached shrimp shine in this Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
• Bright Flavors: Lemon and white wine add a fresh, tangy twist.
• Quick Cooking: Done in less than half an hour—ideal for busy nights.
• Simple Elegance: Minimal ingredients create a sophisticated dish.
• Customizable Heat: Chili flakes let you dial up the spice to your liking.

Tools Needed

To whip up this Shrimp Scampi Recipe, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials. Want to upgrade your gear? Visit Our Shop at for top-quality tools! Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Medium Nonstick Sauté Pan: Cooks shrimp and sauce evenly without sticking.
• 4-Quart Sauce Pot: Boils pasta perfectly for your Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
• Tongs: Gently tosses pasta and flips shrimp with ease.
• Microplane or Grater: Finely grates garlic and Parmesan for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi

• 8-12 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 115g angel hair or capellini pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes
• 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
• 100ml white wine
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 60g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100ml seafood stock
• 55g butter, cubed
• Parmesan, for grating
• 1 sprig basil, leaves picked
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Boil Water: Fill a 4-quart sauce pot with water, salt generously, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a medium nonstick sauté pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add diced shallot and finely grate 3 garlic cloves into the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
3. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in 100ml white wine and cook until nearly evaporated. Add 100ml seafood stock, 2 teaspoons chili flakes, 2 tablespoons capers, halved cherry tomatoes, and the zest and juice of 2 lemons. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then poach in the simmering sauce for 1 minute per side. Stir in 55g cubed butter until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Cook Pasta: When water boils, add 115g pasta, pushing it in as it softens. Boil for 3-5 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Strain and add to the pan with sauce and shrimp. Toss to coat.
6. Finish and Serve: Tear basil leaves and toss into the pasta. Plate in a medium bowl, grate Parmesan over the top, and serve your Shrimp Scampi Recipe hot.

Expert Tips For Perfect Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Fresh Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp for quick prep in this Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
• Don’t Overcook: Poach shrimp just until pink to keep them tender.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook slightly underdone—it finishes in the sauce.
• Zest First: Zest lemons before juicing for maximum flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Shrimp: Cook only 1 minute per side—overdone shrimp turn rubbery in Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
• Soggy Pasta: Drain quickly and toss immediately to avoid mushiness.
• Skipping Deglaze: White wine lifts flavorful bits from the pan—don’t skip it.

Variations

• Spicy Boost: Increase chili flakes or add red pepper for heat.
• Herb Swap: Use parsley instead of basil.
• Veggie Add: Toss in spinach or asparagus with the tomatoes.
• Gluten-Free: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Shrimp Scampi Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of stock or water—microwaving works but may toughen shrimp. Freezing isn’t recommended due to texture changes in shrimp and pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I double this Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and cook shrimp in batches if needed.

2. What wine works best for Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

4. How do I know shrimp are done?
They turn pink and opaque—about 1 minute per side.

5. Can I skip capers?
Yes, but they add a briny pop to your Shrimp Scampi Recipe.

6. What’s a good side?
Garlic bread or a light salad pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a quick, zesty masterpiece that brings bold flavors to your plate with minimal effort. Tender shrimp, tangy lemon, and a hint of spice over delicate pasta—it’s a dish that feels fancy yet fits any night. Perfect for one or easily scaled up, this Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a seafood classic you’ll crave. Heat your pan, toss those shrimp, and enjoy a taste of pure bliss tonight!