• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Holidays and Events / Christmas / Appetizers

Classic Shrimp Scampi

5
/5
20 minutes
15 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 09/20/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Shrimp Scampi is made with big, juicy shrimp that are cooked in a garlic butter wine sauce! Made in 20 minutes, including prep, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with crusty bread, or over some al dente pasta! #shrimp #scampi #seafood #easydinner
Shrimp Scampi is made with big, juicy shrimp that are cooked in a garlic butter wine sauce! Made in 20 minutes, including prep, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with crusty bread, or over some al dente pasta! #shrimp #scampi #seafood #easydinner
Shrimp Scampi is made with big, juicy shrimp that are cooked in a garlic butter wine sauce! Made in 20 minutes, including prep, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with crusty bread, or over some al dente pasta! #shrimp #scampi #seafood #easydinner

Shrimp Scampi is made with big, juicy shrimp that are cooked in a garlic butter wine sauce! Made in 20 minutes, including prep, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with crusty bread, or over some al dente pasta!

This is one of my Seafood recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!

shrimp scampi in skillet
Pin this recipe for later!

Shrimp Scampi is one of my husband’s favorite meals. And even though I’m not the biggest seafood fan, it’s one of my favorite meals to cook.

Why, you ask? Because it’s ready in 20 minutes, from start to finish, and made entirely in one pan!

That’s a huge win in my book. Less work for me, but the flavors are out of this world good!

You’d never know this meal was so easy to put together, because it tastes like you got it from a fancy restaurant.

This recipe for shrimp scampi has been on the website for years, but I thought it could use some better photos and updated information for you!

How to make shrimp scampi?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

step by step how to make shrimp scampi
  1. Season shrimp. Pay dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Start sauce. Heat butter, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest and cook for a minute or two.
  3. Cook shrimp. Increase heat, cook shrimp for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in wine and chicken broth. Cook the wine until reduced by half, then add chicken broth and simmer another 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir in lemon juice. Then transfer shrimp to a plate.
  6. Add butter to sauce. Whisk the cold butter into the sauce, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Add shrimp back. Toss shrimp in the sauce and serve with more parsley and lemon wedges.

Helpful Tip!

You’ll want raw shrimp for this, so they don’t get all overcooked and rubbery.  To save myself some time, I bought shrimp that were peeled and deveined, but feel free to get whatever you prefer.  Pick up the jumbo shrimp though, about 16-20 per pound.  Mine were frozen, then I just defrosted them, but if you live closer to a coast and have some great looking seafood, go for fresh!

close up of shrimp scampi in pan

Variations of this recipe

  • Extra saucy – if you like a lot of sauce, feel free to double the amount of the butter, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
  • Cheese – it might not be traditional, but before serving, sometimes I like to sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Parsley – I really prefer and recommend using fresh parsley here. It’s worth picking some up at the store. Dried doesn’t have the same texture, however it’ll work in a pinch.
  • Olive oil – to cut down on the amount of butter, feel free to swap half of it for olive oil.
  • Wine – any dry white wine will work here, but sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, and chardonnay are our favorites.
serving shrimp scampi on pasta

FAQ’s

What to serve with shrimp scampi?

We love to serve shrimp scampi over some pasta, or with a big piece of crusty bread. For some sides, we like to do green beans and a salad. But those are just what we like, you can serve it with whatever you’d like.

Can shrimp scampi be made using cooked shrimp?

Unfortunately no. If you use cooked shrimp, you run a serious risk of having very overcooked and rubbery shrimp. I highly recommend fresh shrimp, but quality frozen shrimp will work as well. Just thaw them in the refrigerator and pat dry.

Is shrimp scampi an Italian dish?

From what I can tell, the shrimp in garlic butter wine sauce is a fairly traditionally Italian meal. However the addition of pasta is an Italian-American thing.

Making shrimp scampi ahead of time

I don’t recommend making this recipe entirely ahead of time. Reheating shrimp can yield a tough and rubbery texture.

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time if you’d like, but this recipe is so quick and easy, you’ll have plenty of time to make this… I promise!

serving shrimp scampi with crusty bread

Storage

Leftover shrimp scampi should be stored in an airtight container and eaten within 2-3 days.

Recipes to Serve with Shrimp Scampi:

skillet green beans in serving dish
Skillet Green Beans
artisan bread
No-Knead Crusty Bread
pile of garlic bread slices in bread basket
Homemade Garlic Bread
caesar salad
Homemade Caesar Salad

Recipe originally published in August of 2017, but has been updated in September of 2021.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

shrimp scampi in skillet

Classic Shrimp Scampi

5 from 5 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 241
Servings: 4 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
Shrimp Scampi is made with big, juicy shrimp that are cooked in a garlic butter wine sauce! Made in 20 minutes, including prep, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 1/2 lbs raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (16 or 20 per pound)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • heaping 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (like a Chardonnay)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or stock (if you have shrimp or seafood stock that would be awesome too)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice fresh is best
  • pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • more minced parsley, for garnish
  • lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.  
  • To a large skillet, add 3 Tbsp of the butter and heat over MED heat.  Add parsley, garlic, and lemon zest and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Increase heat to MED-HIGH/HIGH, add shrimp and cook until just starting to turn pink, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in wine and cook until reduced by about half, 1-2 minutes.  Add chicken broth and simmer until shrimp are just cooked through, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes, and stir.
  • Transfer shrimp to a plate, leaving the liquid in the skillet.  Add remaining 1 Tbsp of butter and whisk to incorporate.  Simmer sauce for a few seconds, taste to see how the seasoning is.  Add salt and pepper if needed.
  • Add shrimp back to skillet and toss to coat.  Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

  1. Serve as is, over pasta, or with a big piece of crusty bread. 

Video

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!

You May Also Like...

  • This budget-friendly Chicken Stroganoff is the perfect weeknight dinner recipe... ready in just 30 minutes, and made entirely in ONE POT! #stroganoff #chicken #onepotmeal #easyrecipe #weeknightmeal #chickenstroganoff #onepan #30minutemeal
    Chicken Stroganoff - 30 Minute, One Pot Meal
  • Chicken marsala is a one pot, 30 minute meal made with golden brown pan fried chicken cutlets, savory mushrooms and a rich marsala wine sauce! #chickenmarsala #italian #chickendinner #chicken #onepot #onepan #30minutemeal #easyrecipe
    Easy Chicken Marsala (30 Minute Meal)
  • One Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta | Great Philly cheesesteak flavors are mixed with creamy pasta in this one pot meal that's ready in 30 minutes!  An easy dinner your family will love! | https://www.thechunkychef.com | #cheesesteak #pasta #onepot #easydinner #comfortfood
    One Pot Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
  • This One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is so creamy and flavorful, and is ready in less than 30 minutes!  Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and tender pasta smothered in a spicy, creamy sauce!  Click the photo for the full post!
    One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Mindy Joss says

    Posted on 11/22 at 8:40 pm

    It tasted like I knew what I was doing for a change!! Thanks so much for sharing; I feel so accomplished now & I’ll be trying your other recipes too!

    Reply
  2. Kathleen Bush says

    Posted on 10/1 at 8:44 am

    Thank you for so many yummy recipes! IRISH

    Reply
  3. Krystle says

    Posted on 9/22 at 10:54 pm

    We love this recipe, it tastes just like it came from our favorite seafood restaurant.

    Reply
  4. Sandra says

    Posted on 9/22 at 8:19 pm

    These were a huge hit at my house! Everyone loved it!

    Reply
  5. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says

    Posted on 9/22 at 3:59 am

    This Shrimp Scampi looks incredibly delicious!

    Reply
  6. Erik says

    Posted on 9/21 at 6:41 pm

    I know a lot of people who would love this!

    Reply
  7. Kathy K says

    Posted on 9/20 at 10:31 pm

    Great, but very simple recipe! A true classic…nice job!

    Reply
  8. Jeff says

    Posted on 6/22 at 9:05 pm

    Really really good. I had to use powdered garlic bit it still turned out even better than most restaurants.

    Even my 9 year old liked it, bout made me fall out of my chair! He thinks nuggets are the only food group!

    Reply
  9. Penny Weagly says

    Posted on 2/13 at 6:36 pm

    Made it tonight for dinner. It was awesome

    Reply
  10. TJM says

    Posted on 1/4 at 12:08 pm

    One additional item to make it even better add fresh grated parmesan cheese when serving over pasta. I let each person add the amount of cheese they want and everyone loves it

    Reply
  11. Abeer says

    Posted on 8/10 at 2:13 am

    Dinner time truly can’t get easier than just 10 minutes and simple ingredients!

    Reply
  12. Nutmeg Nanny says

    Posted on 8/9 at 9:57 pm

    Love how quickly you can make this delicious meal!

    Reply
  13. Paula - bell'alimento says

    Posted on 8/9 at 1:26 pm

    ONE pot and only 10 minutes? There is no other answer but YES : )

    Reply
  14. Jen says

    Posted on 8/8 at 7:01 pm

    My stomach is growling looking at these pictures!! I want these just the way they are with crusty bread….amazing suggestion!

    Reply
  15. Jamielyn says

    Posted on 8/8 at 9:14 am

    Only 10 minutes?! Can’t beat that. Sold!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours 5 minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours

This easy game day appetizer combines classic buffalo wing flavors with cool creaminess in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for any party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours 10 minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2023 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top