Classic shrimp lemon garlic

Shrimp Scampi is a timeless dish that brings together tender shrimp with a vibrant lemon garlic butter white wine sauce, all tossed with delicate thin pasta. It comes together quickly, under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress. The bright citrus and rich butter marry beautifully, creating a dish that’s both fresh and indulgent.

I first made this recipe after my mom taught me when I moved to the states, and it quickly became a go to comfort meal. Everyone who tries it always asks for seconds, and it never lasts long on the table.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined – choose fresh or high quality frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor
• Unsalted butter: essential for that rich, silky sauce if dairy free use a plant based butter substitute like Earth Balance or avocado oil butter
• Garlic cloves: freshly minced creates the fragrant and savory backbone of the sauce
• Dry white wine: such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio adds acidity and depth avoid sweet wines to keep the sauce balanced
• Fresh lemon juice: brightens and balances the butter and garlic with a touch of zest
• Olive oil: helps cook the shrimp and garlic without burning
• Thin pasta: such as spaghettini or angel hair delicate enough to soak up the sauce without overpowering it
• Salt: seasons both shrimp and sauce perfectly
• Optional red pepper flakes: add a gentle heat if desired
• Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish adds freshness and color

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Cook the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes in a mixture of melted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Watch the garlic closely and cook until it turns golden and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes, making sure it doesn't burn as that would cause bitterness. This base builds the depth of flavor for the entire dish.

Cook the Shrimp:

Season the shrimp with salt. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook on one side until the shrimp turn opaque and start curling slightly, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until opaque, about 1 to 2 minutes more. The shrimp should be firm and pink but not overcooked. Remove shrimp from the skillet, leaving the garlic butter sauce behind.

Build the Sauce:

Add another knob of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in fresh lemon juice and taste for seasoning adding salt if necessary to balance the flavors.

Combine and Serve:

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce and stir gently to coat for about a minute to heat through. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything evenly so the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.

My favorite ingredient has to be the garlic butter base. It transforms simple shrimp and pasta into something truly special and comforting. One family dinner I remember vividly is when my mom made this after I moved, a simple meal full of love and familiarity that still feels like a warm hug.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It tastes best reheated gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or white wine to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking shrimp during reheating as it can become rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be swapped with plant based or lactose free alternatives to make the dish dairy free without losing richness. If you don’t have white wine, use a light chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice but avoid sweeter liquids to keep the tangy balance. Instead of traditional pasta, try zucchini noodles or gluten free options to suit dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve shrimp scampi with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. A chilled glass of dry white wine pairs beautifully, echoing the flavors in the dish. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and finely chopped parsley for brightness and presentation.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. This quick elegant dish works for weeknights or special occasions.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta pairs best?

Thin pasta like spaghettini or angel hair works best as it evenly coats with the sauce and doesn't overpower the delicate shrimp.

→ How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn from translucent to opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape when fully cooked. Tails turning inward is another good sign.

→ Can I substitute the butter?

Plant-based or lactose-free butter substitutes can be used to maintain richness without dairy, preserving the flavor balance.

→ What kind of white wine should be used?

Dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complement the lemon and garlic, adding subtle acidity without sweetness.

→ How to add spice to the dish?

Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes during garlic sautéing to add a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.