Speedy Scampi Classic Garlic Lemon Shrimp in a Flash

Speedy Scampi Classic Garlic Lemon Shrimp In A F

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Preparation time:7 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 oz Linguine or Spaghetti
• 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt (for pasta water)
• 1.5 lbs Large Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided (2 Tbsp for sauté, 2 Tbsp for finishing)
• 1 small Shallot, finely minced (optional)
• 6 cloves Fresh Garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 cup Dry White Wine OR Chicken Stock
• 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped
• Black Pepper, To taste

Instructions:

• Mise en Place and Pasta Prep: Peel and pat the shrimp very dry. Mince the garlic and shallot, and chop the parsley. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions).
• Reserve Water and Drain: Just before draining the pasta, scoop out 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the starchy cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta immediately and set it aside.
• Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil and 2 Tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallot (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until softened.
• Add Garlic and Spice: Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for just 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
• Deglaze: Pour in the 1/2 cup of white wine or stock. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by about half, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan (about 2 minutes).
• Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat back to medium-high. Add the prepared shrimp to the pan. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
• Emulsify the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter and the fresh lemon juice. Whisk gently until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
• Combine and Toss: Add the drained pasta and the reserved starchy pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 30 seconds until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully. Add more pasta water if the sauce seems too tight.
• Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	600 kcal
Protein	40 g
Fat	20 g
Carbs	55 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	450 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian-American

Ready in a Flash: Your New Favourite Weeknight Meal

Why You Need This Speedy Scampi Recipe

Oh my gosh, I get it. After wrestling with the train, the endless emails, and just generally surviving the day, the last thing you want is a fussy dinner.

If you’re anything like me, you need maximum flavour for minimum effort. That’s exactly why I swear by this totally brilliant, truly Quick and Delicious Shrimp Scampi .

It's the ultimate answer to the "What’s for dinner?" panic.

Honestly, this is the quintessential Weeknight shrimp pasta . We’re not teaching a masterclass here. This is pure, unadulterated comfort food that tastes like you spent ages on it.

But shhh, our little secret? This entire Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe takes less than 20 minutes. I’m talking genuine 15 Minute Dinners territory.

Sunshine on a Plate: The Flavour Profile

This dish is a classic for a reason. It’s rooted in that beautiful Italian-American style of cooking that relies on freshness and simplicity.

The main event is the sauce: a bright, zesty, and buttery marvel. We’re talking plump, succulent shrimp swimming in incredible Lemon garlic shrimp pasta sauce.

Forget heavy cream or complicated steps; learning How to make scampi sauce is actually ridiculously simple. It uses just a few quality ingredients to create a silky coating for the pasta.

This technique means your Shrimp Scampi is lighter and healthier than many restaurant versions. Bonus: if you’re trying to avoid alcohol, we give you a fantastic substitution so you can enjoy delicious shrimp scampi without wine .

The Ultimate Weeknight Win

The great thing about this Speedy scampi recipe is the nutrition. Shrimp is lean protein, and it cooks faster than non-human vertebrae! It means you’re getting a full, satisfying meal without the long wait.

I remember the first time I made this for my mate, Tom. He honestly thought I’d ordered takeaway. He couldn't believe something so packed with vibrant flavour—that gorgeous Garlic Butter Shrimp smell fills the whole house—could be ready before the kettle had even cooled down.

This recipe is your secret weapon. It’s perfect for that Tuesday night slump, or even when you need a quick, impressive meal for unexpected guests.

This isn't just about speed, though. It’s about that fresh, zesty finish that makes you feel instantly better. Trust me, once you try this simple Shrimp Scampi Recipe , those expensive delivery apps will start gathering dust.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s look at the ingredients you need.

Making the Magic: What You Need for the Speedy Scampi Recipe

Right, let's talk ingredients and tools. You want a proper good meal, right? But nobody wants to spend ages faffing about after a long day.

This Quick and Delicious Shrimp Scampi is all about maximum flavour with minimum fuss. Honestly, the ingredient list is short.

That is why this truly deserves to be listed as one of the best 15 Minute Dinners .

The Essential Pantry Heroes

The star of any Shrimp Scampi Recipe is, of course, the shrimp. Get good shrimp. Look for 16/20 count Large Raw Shrimp (about 1.

5 lbs or 680 g ). They should be peeled and deveined already. Nobody has time for that tedious job on a Tuesday night.

I always buy frozen and let them thaw in the fridge all day. Easy.

Next up is the magic maker: butter, garlic, and lemon. This is how to make scampi sauce properly. Use 6 cloves of fresh Fresh Garlic .

Seriously, ditch the jarred stuff. One time, I was lazy and used dried powder. Oh my gosh! It tasted bitter and flat.

Never again. Fresh garlic is the true secret to brilliant Garlic Butter Shrimp . We use 4 Tbsp of creamy Unsalted Butter here, divided for maximum impact.

Flavour Upgrades and Quick Subs

This Lemon garlic shrimp pasta relies on brightness. That means freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable ( 1/4 cup or 60 ml ).

We use dry white wine for that amazing depth of flavour ( 1/2 cup ). It deglazes the pan beautifully.

However, if you are strictly making shrimp scampi without wine , just substitute in dry chicken stock. Promise it still tastes amazing.

It keeps the dish super speedy. We ramp up the heat slightly with Red Pepper Flakes ( 1/2 tsp ).

Parsley is also essential for finishing. It makes the sauce look professional and adds freshness.

Crucial Kit for this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Okay, equipment time. You don't need fancy gadgets for this Weeknight shrimp pasta . Just two things, really. A big pot for your pasta and a large, wide skillet.

And I mean large .

If your pan is too small, the shrimp steam instead of searing. Steamed shrimp are rubbery shrimp. That's a tragedy, isn't it? So, grab a 12-inch or 30 cm skillet.

It needs space to breathe! Trust me on this one. That is the most essential tool for making this whole dinner seamless.

Cheers to speedy cooking!

Getting Ready: Speed is Our Best Mate

Oh, honestly, if there is one thing I have learned about cooking after a long day, it’s that organisation saves your sanity.

This entire process is built on speed. We are aiming for a genuine 15 Minute Dinners result. Before the hob even goes on, you must prep everything.

We call this the mise en place .

For this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe , the trick is having everything right next to the pan. Peel those beautiful shrimp (if they aren't already).

Pat them bone-dry. Seriously, pat them dry with a tea towel or paper. If they are wet, they will steam instead of getting that lovely sear.

That's the difference between gorgeous texture and rubbery non-human vertebrae! Get your garlic minced. Measure out your lemon juice and that crucial white wine or stock (if you are making Shrimp scampi without wine ).

When the cooking starts, it’s a whirlwind!

The Scampi Blitz: Making That Killer Sauce

First things first: get your pasta water boiling. Salt it heavily. It should taste like the sea, darling. Drop in the linguine and start your timer.

We need it slightly al dente , maybe one minute shy of the package time. While the pasta is doing its thing, grab your biggest skillet.

1. Heat High: Heat your olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add Shallot: Toss in the minced shallot. Cook for just 1 minute .
3. Garlic Watch: Lower the heat slightly. Add the massive pile of minced garlic and red pepper flakes. This is the heart of your Garlic Butter Shrimp . Cook for a quick 30–60 seconds . Listen to me: Do not let it brown . Burned garlic tastes bitter and will ruin your whole dinner. This used to happen to me all the time!
4. Deglaze: Pour in the wine or stock. Let it bubble fiercely for 2 minutes . Scrape up all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is how to make scampi sauce properly—building flavour depth fast.

The Finale: The Quick and Delicious Shrimp Scampi

Now for the main event. Increase the heat.

5. Cook the Shrimp: Add your bone-dry shrimp. Lay them flat. They need high heat to cook quickly. Flip them after about 1.

   5 to 2 minutes per side. They are done the moment they turn pink and curl into a 'C' shape.

   Don't push it!

6. The Emufy: Take the pan off the heat. This step is key for that beautiful, rich sauce. Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter and the fresh lemon juice.

   Whisk it around gently.

7. The Toss: Before draining your pasta, scoop out 1/2 cup of that starchy water. Drain the linguine and immediately add it, along with the reserved water, back into the skillet.

   Toss everything vigorously. This magical starchy water creates the perfect texture for your Lemon garlic shrimp pasta .

What you have now is a phenomenal Quick and Delicious Shrimp Scampi . Stir in your parsley and serve immediately. This truly is the perfect Weeknight shrimp pasta .

Bob's your uncle, dinner is served!

Pro Tips for Perfect Scampi

My biggest tip for this Speedy scampi recipe ? Reserve extra pasta water. Seriously, I always keep a whole cup just in case.

If the sauce looks tight after you add the pasta, a splash more starchy water sorts it right out. It brings the whole Shrimp Scampi together into that glossy sheen you want.

Also, taste as you go! Shrimp can handle a lot of seasoning. Don't be shy with salt and pepper right at the end.

It takes the flavour from 'nice' to 'Oh my gosh!' instantly.

Recipe Notes: Making This Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe Your Own

Honestly, you’ve nailed the main part. That incredible smell of Garlic Butter Shrimp wafting through your kitchen is why this is the ultimate Weeknight shrimp pasta .

Now let’s talk about those little extras that turn a great meal into a perfect one.

Making it Fancy (But Still Quick)

Plating doesn't need to be posh, I promise. I often just shovel my Shrimp Scampi straight into a bowl! But if you want to impress someone (or just treat yourself), use a wide, shallow dish.

Make sure you get some of that beautiful sauce drizzled over the top. Always, always finish with extra fresh parsley and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.

It really brightens the whole dish.

And hey, a little secret: that starchy sauce is heaven. You need crusty bread. Baguette, ciabatta, or even just some simple garlic bread—it’s essential for mopping up every drop of that luscious liquid.

Leftovers? If You’re Lucky! (Storage Tips)

Ha! Leftovers for this Speedy scampi recipe are rare, but it happens. If you do manage to squirrel away a portion, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Now, for reheating, you have to be gentle. Shrimp goes rubbery if it gets blasted! Put it in a pan over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of water or, better yet, chicken stock. Stir gently until it’s heated through. We are aiming for warm and juicy, not non-human vertebrae that snap in your mouth!

Mix It Up: Dietary Swaps and Seasonal Fun

This Quick and Delicious Shrimp Scampi recipe is super flexible. Need it gluten-free? Just use your favorite GF pasta. It holds the sauce just as wonderfully as linguine.

If you are cooking this Shrimp scampi without wine , swap that half-cup of vino for low-sodium chicken stock. It keeps the savory depth you need without the alcohol.

I sometimes add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for that crucial acidic pop. That's how I first perfected my Lemon garlic shrimp pasta when I ran out of white wine one Tuesday night.

The Good Stuff (Nutrition Snapshot)

Don’t stress the calorie count on 15 Minute Dinners ; focus on the benefits! Did you know a single serving of shrimp provides nearly 40 grams of pure protein? That’s massive.

This dish fuels you up and keeps you satisfied, thanks to the quality protein and healthy fats from the olive oil.

It’s speedy, nourishing, and tastes like a weekend meal, even on a Monday.

Seriously, this recipe is a gift to your weeknight schedule. Enjoy it, love it, and don't be afraid to make it your own!