This shrimp scampi recipe is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need high-quality ingredients like jumbo-sized shrimp, garlic, and white wine. It takes just 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, making it ready in under 30 minutes.
The dish has about 361 calories per serving. It has 13.8g of fat, 24.6g of carbs, and 27.3g of protein. This mix of nutrients makes it a healthy meal choice. The sauce is creamy thanks to butter and EVOO, and it serves 4 people.
To get the best results, use jumbo-sized shrimp and 2 cloves of garlic. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 3/4 cup of white wine. Red pepper flakes add spice, and lemon juice and parsley enhance the flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick, tasty meal at home.
The Rich Heritage of Traditional Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi has a rich history that goes back centuries. It started in the 14th century in Genoa, Italy. It was a simple yet tasty dish for locals and visitors.
Over time, shrimp scampi evolved. It added new ingredients and cooking methods. Now, it’s loved worldwide.
The traditional recipe includes garlic shrimp scampi cooked in butter, garlic, and white wine. It’s served with shrimp scampi pasta. This combo has been a favorite in Italy for centuries.
Many home cooks love making homemade shrimp scampi. They find it easy and delicious.
Origins in Italian Coastal Cuisine
In Italy, this recipe is a second course. It follows antipasto or soup. The dish uses fresh shrimp, garlic, butter, and white wine.
The sauce is served over shrimp scampi pasta like linguine or fettuccine. It’s garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
Evolution of the Modern Recipe
The recipe has changed over time. Modern recipes might add cherry tomatoes or spinach. These ingredients add flavor and nutrients.
Some recipes use different pasta or serve it with bread or roasted vegetables. This makes the dish more versatile.
Why This Dish Became an American Favorite
Shrimp scampi became popular in the US in the 1950s. Italian-American restaurants introduced it. Americans loved its rich flavors and simplicity.
Today, homemade shrimp scampi is a common dish in American kitchens. It’s a quick and tasty meal. Whether with garlic shrimp scampi or shrimp scampi pasta, it’s a hit.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi Recipe
To make a delicious shrimp scampi recipe, you need top-notch ingredients. The main parts of a classic recipe are juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, creamy butter, and a bit of white wine. Fresh parsley adds a fresh touch, balancing the flavors.
Having the right pantry items is key for perfect shrimp scampi. You’ll need:
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, to taste
With these ingredients, you can whip up a tasty classic shrimp dish. The mix of garlic, butter, and white wine makes a rich sauce. This sauce pairs well with the shrimp. You’ll be on your way to a delicious shrimp scampi recipe that’s both true to form and full of flavor.

By choosing quality ingredients and following a simple recipe, you can make a classic shrimp scampi dish. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. So, why not try it and bring a taste of Italy to your home?
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make an easy shrimp scampi recipe, you need the right tools. A large skillet, about 12 inches wide, is key. It helps cook the shrimp and sauce evenly, without crowding.
You’ll also need other tools for a successful shrimp scampi recipe. A cutting board for garlic and parsley, a grater for lemon zest, and a spatula for stirring and serving are essential.
Must-Have Cooking Vessels
- 12-inch skillet
- Cutting board
- Grater
- Spatula
Optional but Helpful Tools
- Garlic press
- Lemon juicer
- Measuring cups and spoons

Serving Equipment Recommendations
For serving, you’ll need some special equipment. A large serving platter or individual plates, garnished with lemon wedges and parsley, will make your meal look great.
Equipment | Description |
---|---|
Large serving platter | For serving the shrimp scampi |
Individual plates | For serving each guest |
Lemon wedges | For garnish |
Parsley | For garnish |
Preparing Your Shrimp Scampi Like a Professional Chef
To make the best shrimp scampi, start with fresh, high-quality shrimp. Choose shrimp that are at least 36/40 in size. Options like U/10, U/12, or 16/20 work best. Peeling and deveining your shrimp is key for a tender and flavorful dish.
For a garlic shrimp scampi, season your shrimp with herbs and spices. Use a mix of salt, pepper, and parsley for depth and freshness. Cook your shrimp to 4-6 ounces per person for the perfect texture.
Here are some tips for preparing your shrimp like a pro:
- Use the right size and quality of shrimp for the best results
- Peel and devein your shrimp to ensure tenderness and flavor
- Season your shrimp with a blend of herbs and spices that complement the garlic and wine sauce
- Cook your shrimp to the right texture, aiming for a serving size of 4-6 ounces per person
Follow these tips and use the best ingredients. You’ll create a delicious recipe.
Creating the Signature Garlic Wine Sauce
To make a tasty shrimp scampi pasta, you need a rich sauce. The garlic wine sauce is key in classic recipe. It’s made with garlic, butter, and white wine, giving it a special taste and smell.
When this recipe at home, use top-notch ingredients. Choose fresh garlic and a fine white wine. Crush the garlic and sauté it in butter to enhance its taste. Reduce the white wine to make a thick, creamy sauce. The goal is to find the right balance of flavors, avoiding too much garlic or acidity.
Selecting the Perfect Garlic
For the best taste, use 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and sautéed in 3 tablespoons of butter. This will add a deep, nutty flavor that pairs well with the shrimp.
Mastering the Garlic-Butter Base
After making your garlic and butter mix, add 1/3 cup of white wine. Reduce the wine by half to get a creamy sauce. This sauce is perfect for coating your shrimp scampi pasta.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
To get the right sauce consistency, simmer it for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then. This reduces the sauce, making it thick and creamy. Serve your shrimp with pasta like angel hair or linguine for a delicious meal.
With these tips, you can make a fantastic garlic wine sauce. It will take your shrimp scampi pasta to the next level. Whether you’re making homemade or classic shrimp scampi, this sauce will impress everyone.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
To enjoy your shrimp scampi, pair it with fettuccine pasta. This classic combo works well together. You’ll need about 5 shrimp per serving with 6-8 ounces of fettuccine.
For a full dining experience, try these wine pairings:
- Pinot Grigio: a crisp white wine that matches the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
- Sauvignon Blanc: a zesty white wine that complements the garlic and lemon.
Classic Pasta Combinations with Shrimp Scampi
Spaghetti and linguine also pair well with shrimp. These long pasta shapes let the sauce coat the noodles perfectly. It makes every bite a joy.
Garnishing for serving Shrimp Scampi in Restaurant-Style Presentation
For a fancy touch, garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges. It adds color and boosts the dish’s flavor and aroma.
With these tips, your shrimp will be a hit. It’s perfect for any occasion, from special dinners to weeknight meals. This dish is sure to impress.
Nutritional Information per Serving | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 719kcal |
Carbohydrates | 71g |
Protein | 37g |
Fat | 30g |
Master Chef’s Tips for Elevating Your Shrimp Scampi
To elevate your shrimp scampi, start with the freshest, highest-quality shrimp. Whether fresh or frozen, their flavor and texture are key. Next, try different garlic varieties, herbs, and seasonings for unique flavors.
Don’t forget about presentation. A sprinkle of parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or olive oil can make your dish stand out. With these tips, your shrimp scampi will impress everyone.
Source Links
- My Shrimp Is So Good, Everyone Thinks It’s From a Restaurant – https://www.thekitchn.com/best-shrimp-scampi-recipe-23672748
- Shrimp Pasta (Italian Style) – https://www.italiankitchenconfessions.com/shrimp-scampi-pasta-italian-style/
- Shrimp A Delicious History and the Best Recipe – https://www.markys.com/blog/shrimp-scampi-history-and-classic-recipe?srsltid=AfmBOooubm6DowtRUWfsZe8vgC4_5HRHwyzZ1SZmRZziO4lYCLMiF9BU
- Classic Shrimp Recipe | I Can Cook That – https://icancookthat.org/2021/03/classic-shrimp-scampi.html
- Shrimp Scampi – https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/19508/shrimp-scampi/
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – https://cafedelites.com/garlic-butter-shrimp-scampi/
- Classic Shrimp Scampi Is the Best 15-Minute Meal – https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10039/16-minute-meal-shrimp-scampi/
- Shrimp | America’s Test Kitchen Recipe – https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/8641-shrimp-scampi
- Shrimp Recipe – https://preppykitchen.com/shrimp-scampi/
- Perfect Shrimp Recipe – https://www.billyparisi.com/perfect-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
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- Classic Shrimp Recipe – https://www.askchefdennis.com/shrimp-scampi/
- Shrimp – The Good Enough Kitchen – https://goodenoughkitchen.com/shrimp-scampi/
- Easy Shrimp Recipe – https://letthebakingbegin.com/shrimp-scampi/
- Cheesecake Factory Shrimp – https://www.food.com/recipe/cheesecake-factory-shrimp-scampi-280067
- What To Serve With Shrimp (20 Perfect Side Dishes) – Drizzle Me Skinny! – https://drizzlemeskinny.com/what-to-serve-with-shrimp-scampi-20-perfect-side-dishes/
- 20-Minute Shrimp Pasta for Two – https://www.forkinthekitchen.com/shrimp-scampi/
- Creamy Shrimp – Kolby Kash – https://kolbykash.com/creamy-shrimp-scampi/
- Menus | Chef Baba – https://www.chef-baba.com/copy-of-class-showcase