Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Buttery Garlic Lemon Shrimp with Pasta

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality seafood dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this easy shrimp scampi recipe is exactly what you need. Tender shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon, white wine, and parsley, then served over perfectly cooked spaghetti for a meal that’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for busy weeknights.The combination of butter, olive oil, fresh garlic, bright lemon zest, and white wine creates a silky sauce that coats every bite of shrimp and pasta. Best of all, this classic shrimp scampi requires only a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal cooking time.Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a quick family meal, or simply craving seafood, this homemade shrimp scampi delivers incredible flavor with very little effort.

Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Buttery Garlic Lemon Shrimp with Pasta

Make this easy shrimp scampi recipe with juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine. Ready in about 30 minutes and perfect served over pasta for a quick family dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 470

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Shrimp

• 1½ pounds fresh large shrimp
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1½ tablespoons garlic minced (or more if desired)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of most of 1 lemon
• ⅓ cup dry white wine
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley finely chopped

For Serving

• Fresh cooked spaghetti
• Lemon wedges

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

1. Peel the garlic cloves by lightly crushing each one with the side of a knife. Remove the skins and finely mince the garlic. Set aside until ready to cook.

Step 2: Clean the Shrimp

1. If using shell-on shrimp:
2. Remove the shells.
3. Leave the tails on if preferred.
4. Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp.
5. Remove the dark digestive tract.
6. Rinse if needed and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
7. Dry shrimp brown much better than wet shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve a little pasta water if desired before draining.

Step 4: Start the Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add:
3. Olive oil
4. Butter
5. Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic.
6. Cook for about one minute while stirring constantly. The garlic should become fragrant but not dark brown.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Wine

1. Mix in:
2. Lemon zest
3. White wine
4. Salt
5. Fresh lemon juice
6. Allow the sauce to simmer until it reduces by about half. This concentrates the flavor while allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Step 6: Cook the Shrimp

1. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet.
2. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Cook for approximately:
4. 2 minutes on the first side
5. Flip each shrimp
6. Cook another 1–2 minutes
7. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque while remaining juicy inside.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

1. Remove the pan from the heat.
2. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley.
3. Toss gently so the shrimp become coated in the buttery garlic sauce.

Step 8: Serve

1. Place cooked spaghetti onto serving plates.
2. Top with the shrimp and spoon plenty of garlic butter sauce over the pasta.
3. Finish with:
4. Fresh parsley
5. Lemon wedges
6. Extra lemon juice if desired
7. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Shrimp scampi is proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. The rich garlic butter sauce, bright citrus, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in just half an hour, making this recipe ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Serve it fresh with crusty bread and a squeeze of lemon, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.