Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Make this Shrimp Scampi with Asparagus and Tomatoes for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for seafood lovers, this easy pasta dish combines succulent shrimp, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon butter sauce. Ideal for weeknight meals or a special dinner, it’s a family favorite that’s light, delicious, and satisfying. Try this restaurant-quality recipe at home for a fresh twist on a classic dish.

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic wine sauce, often served over pasta. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that combines simple ingredients like shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, and white wine. Variations can include adding vegetables like asparagus or tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Tips to Make the Best Shrimp Scampi

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Large shrimp (16-20 count) work best and should be shelled and deveined for convenience.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—about 1½ to 2 minutes per side. They should be pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery.
3. Use High-Quality Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil creates a rich, flavorful sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
4. Balance the Flavors: Lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the butter. Don’t skip it!
5. Choose the Right Wine: Use a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for the best flavor. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute with chicken broth and a splash of extra lemon juice.
6. Cook Garlic with Care: Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned; burnt garlic can make the dish taste bitter.
7. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Add it just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor.
8. Serve Immediately: Shrimp Scampi is best served hot. If serving over pasta, toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it well before plating.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Shrimp Scampi with Asparagus and Tomatoes is a quick and delicious pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, fresh asparagus, and juicy grape tomatoes in a buttery garlic wine sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta

• 1 lb large shrimp, shelled and deveined

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• ¼ pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces

• 4 large cloves garlic, minced

• ⅔ cup grape tomatoes, sliced

• ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 1½ to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and curled into a “C” shape. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add the sliced grape tomatoes and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring occasionally.
• Pour in the dry white wine and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to reduce slightly.
• Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Warm the mixture for about 1 minute. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve the shrimp scampi over the cooked angel hair pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes:

• This recipe moves quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
• If available, use wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and quality. I recommend using shrimp with a 21-25 count per pound.
• You can substitute fettuccine or linguine pasta, or opt for zoodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip it.
• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
• Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked, so add it towards the end.
• For the wine, choose a dry white like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great substitute.