Classic Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Bursting with citrusy brightness and buttery richness, Classic Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a beloved Italian-American dish that brings together simplicity and elegance in every bite. Juicy shrimp are quickly sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-infused butter and olive oil sauce, then tossed with pasta or served with crusty bread. Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or a restaurant-style dish at home, shrimp scampi offers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredient

For the Pasta:

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water (1 tablespoon salt) to a rolling boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about ½ cup (120 ml) of the starchy pasta water.
4. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp

1. While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced or minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook!
5. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

1. With the heat still on medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Pour in the ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth and 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in half of the fresh chopped parsley (about ¼ cup).

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Toss well to coat.
2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss gently to combine.
3. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, tossing until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the Classic Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi immediately in warm bowls.
2. Garnish with the remaining fresh chopped parsley.
3. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side and crusty bread for dipping, if desired.

Extra Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they're done.
• Fresh Garlic and Lemon: These are the stars of the show! Use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Pasta Water Magic: The starchy pasta water is key to creating a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter for flavor and olive oil to prevent burning creates a rich base for the sauce.
• Serving Suggestions: While delicious with pasta, scampi is also fantastic served over rice, polenta, or simply with plenty of crusty bread.