Romantic Shrimp Scampi

Name: Romantic Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti; Crusty bread, for dipping

Highlighted under: Global World Food Collection

I absolutely love making Romantic Shrimp Scampi for special occasions and intimate dinners at home. The combination of succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine is simply divine. Every bite is packed with flavor, and it comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I like to serve it over al dente pasta or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a dish that never fails to set the mood!

Created by

Isabella Clark

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:11:36.808Z

When I first discovered the magic of Shrimp Scampi, it quickly became a go-to recipe for me. I remember the first time I served it for a date night; my partner was amazed at how rich and full of flavor it was. The secret that I learned is not to overcook the shrimp, as they should be tender and juicy, offering a contrast to the buttery sauce. Pairing it with a crisp white wine enhances the flavors beautifully.

Over time, I’ve played around with this recipe, adding a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving which lifts the entire dish. It’s these little touches that make such a difference. Don’t be shy with the garlic, either! The aroma that fills the kitchen is part of the charm of this delightful dish.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Succulent shrimp bathed in a garlic butter sauce that sings with flavor.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or simply with crusty bread.

The Perfect Shrimp

Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your Romantic Shrimp Scampi. Look for fresh, large shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a slight ocean scent. If you opt for frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to retain their natural sweetness and prevent a rubbery texture during cooking.

When preparing the shrimp, I recommend leaving the tails on for an elegant presentation and a touch of added flavor. When you sauté the shrimp, cook them just until they turn a vibrant pink and opaque—I find that about 3 minutes is perfect. Overcooking can lead to a tough texture, so keep a close eye on them!

Cooking Techniques for Success

For the garlic butter sauce, use a skillet with a wide surface area to ensure even heat distribution. This allows the butter to melt smoothly and the garlic to sauté without burning. You’ll know it's time to add the shrimp when the garlic turns fragrant and slightly golden, which usually takes about a minute. Stirring occasionally helps to infuse the garlic flavor throughout the dish.

When adding the white wine, aim for a good quality dry variety, as it significantly enhances the flavor of the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors; look for the sauce to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce thickens too much, don’t hesitate to add reserved pasta water—this is a great way to adjust consistency without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

For the Scampi

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

To Serve

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Crusty bread, for dipping

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Scampi

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.

Add Wine and Lemon Juice

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread.

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, don't hesitate to add more garlic or a splash of cream to the sauce. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Flavor Variations

To elevate the flavor profile of your scampi, consider incorporating additional ingredients such as a splash of cream for a richer texture or diced tomatoes for a hint of acidity. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also complement the dish beautifully, adding an aromatic dimension that pairs well with the garlic butter sauce.

If you're looking for a bit more heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or even add a dash of cayenne pepper. Conversely, for a milder dish, you can omit the spicy elements altogether, making it approachable for guests with sensitive palates.

Make-Ahead Tips

While this dish is best served fresh, you can streamline preparation by prepping your ingredients in advance. Chop the garlic and parsley ahead of time, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also cook the pasta a few hours beforehand; just be sure to toss it with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the scampi in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out, ensuring the shrimp stay tender.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

→ What white wine is best for cooking?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well for its crispness.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and just reheat when you're ready to serve.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta or serve the scampi over zucchini noodles.