Shrimp scampi is the 25-minute dinner that tastes like a night out. Juicy shrimp are sauteed in a silky sauce of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine, then tossed with tender linguine and a flurry of fresh parsley.

This easy shrimp scampi with pasta is a classic garlic butter shrimp scampi that is simple enough for weeknights and elegant enough for New Year’s Eve. It uses everyday ingredients and cooks in a single skillet.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Category	Dinner / Seafood Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi

Restaurant-quality dinner in 25 minutes
Bright, buttery garlic lemon sauce
Plump, juicy shrimp cooked in minutes
Easy to make with or without wine
Great for weeknights and special occasions

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
8 ounces linguine or angel hair pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Pat the shrimp very dry and season with the salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Lower the heat to medium, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by half.
Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, the lemon juice, and the zest until the sauce is glossy.
Add the pasta and shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, thin with a splash of pasta water if needed, and finish with parsley.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Pat the shrimp dry so they sear instead of steam.
Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook in just 2 to 4 minutes total.
Add the garlic to a medium pan, not a screaming-hot one, so it does not burn.
Use the starchy pasta water to make the sauce silky.
Finish with fresh lemon and parsley for brightness.

Variations to Try: Shrimp Scampi Ideas

Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
Add cherry tomatoes or baby spinach to the skillet.
Swap the wine for chicken broth and an extra squeeze of lemon.
Top with grated Parmesan and toasted breadcrumbs.

How to Store It

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp scampi is best fresh and is not ideal for freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does scampi mean?

Scampi refers to a style of cooking with garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon, and in many places it is used for prawns or shrimp prepared this way.

Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?

Yes. Replace the wine with chicken broth and add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.

How do you know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape. A