Luscious Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Coastal Magic on a Plate

Seafood lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering shrimp scampi recipe promises pure culinary magic.

Tender shrimp dance in a luscious, creamy white wine sauce that elevates every single bite.

Garlic and butter meld together in a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Each succulent morsel bursts with robust Mediterranean-inspired notes that transport you straight to the coastal regions of Italy.

The delicate shrimp are perfectly cooked, creating a luxurious dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.

Simple ingredients combine to create an extraordinary dining experience that comes together in mere minutes.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible classic that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 830 kcal

Servings: 5

Must-Have Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Scampi

• Shallots: Adds delicate, sweet onion flavor with mild sharpness, choose firm and smooth bulbs without bruising.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent undertone that deepens overall taste, select plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.

• White Wine: Introduces complex acidic notes that tenderize seafood and create depth, opt for dry varieties like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens dish with zesty tang, select ripe, heavy citrus fruits for maximum juice extraction.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking foundation and adds subtle fruity undertone, choose cold-pressed extra virgin for best quality.
• Butter: Provides rich, silky texture and luxurious mouthfeel, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.

• Salt: Balances and amplifies dish's overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthy warmth, freshly ground offers most intense flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat preference.
• Parsley: Contributes fresh, herbaceous brightness and vibrant color, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers nutty, salty finish with delightful granular texture, grate just before serving for maximum flavor.

Tools to Get Shrimp Scampi Just Right

• Large skillet: Essential for searing shrimp and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping shallots, garlic, and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient proportions.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning shrimp during cooking.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked linguine.
• Grater: Helps create fresh Parmesan cheese topping.

Cooking Creamy Shrimp Scampi Like a Pro

• Flavor Preparation

Toss shrimp with seasonings and quickly sear in a hot skillet until they develop a beautiful golden color. Remove from pan and set aside.

• Aromatic Base

Melt butter in the same skillet and gently cook shallots and garlic until they release their delightful fragrance. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Pour in white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

• Creamy Fusion

Swirl in rich cream to create a velvety sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Fold perfectly cooked linguine into the silky mixture, then reintroduce the golden shrimp. Finish by showering the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Additions That Pair Well with Scampi Sauce

• Gently crush garlic cloves before mincing to release more robust flavor and maximize aromatic oils throughout the sauce.
• Select shrimp that smell clean and ocean-like, with firm texture and slight translucent appearance, avoiding any fishy odors.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth for alcohol-free version or use dry vermouth for extra depth, matching the recipe's elegant profile.
• Reserve quarter cup pasta water before draining, which helps create silkier sauce and helps ingredients cling better to linguine noodles.
• Adjust red pepper flakes from a pinch to a full teaspoon depending on heat preference, allowing personalized flavor intensity for every palate.

How to Present Shrimp Scampi at the Table

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the shrimp scampi on a large white platter, garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress your guests.
• Coastal Weekend Lunch Delight: Pair this creamy dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio and a light side salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette to create a relaxed Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Pasta Night Companion: Serve alongside warm garlic bread and roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add extra nutrition and complementary flavors that enhance the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Quick Entertaining Tip: Prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time, keeping components separate, then quickly reheat and combine just before serving to maintain perfect texture and temperature.

Tips for Storing This Creamy Seafood Pasta

• Quick Chill Method: Transfer leftover shrimp scampi to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Lifespan: Store the dish in the fridge for 2-3 days, keeping the pasta and shrimp separate from the sauce to prevent soggy texture and maintain optimal quality.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm the scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or white wine to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir carefully to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezing Strategy: For longer storage, freeze the sauce and shrimp separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve delicate flavors and prevent sauce separation.

Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Creamy Shrimp Scampi delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with luxurious pasta and garlic-infused butter sauce. Seafood enthusiasts will savor delicate shrimp nestled in silky noodles, creating an elegant dinner experience you can master.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp
• 1 lb linguine, cooked
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup) unsalted butter
• 1 cup white wine
• ¼ cup chopped shallots
• 2 tbsps sliced garlic
• 3 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tbsps (1/8 cup) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
• 2 tbsps freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Sear Shrimp: Flash-cook seasoned shrimp in a scorching skillet until golden and caramelized, creating a rich exterior. Remove and reserve for later incorporation.
2. Develop Aromatic Base: Melt butter in the same skillet, introducing finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant and shallots become translucent, releasing their delicate essence.
3. Create Sauce Foundation: Deglaze the pan with dry white wine and lemon juice, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors, forming an intensely vibrant sauce base. Integrate fresh parsley to infuse bright, herbal notes.
4. Craft Creamy Texture: Stream in heavy cream while stirring continuously, transforming the sauce into a silky, luxurious consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to elevate the taste profile and balance the flavors.
5. Combine Pasta and Protein: Introduce linguine directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating. Reintegrate the seared shrimp, allowing them to warm through and harmonize with the creamy mixture.
6. Finale and Presentation: Generously garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot, maintaining the pasta’s al dente texture and the sauce’s sumptuous consistency.

Notes

• Sear for Golden Crust: Achieve a perfect caramelized exterior on shrimp by using a hot skillet and avoiding overcrowding to ensure each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Wine Reduction Magic: Let the white wine and lemon juice simmer and reduce to concentrate flavors, creating a more intense and sophisticated sauce base that elevates the entire dish.
• Cream Stirring Technique: Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Timing is Key: Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the pasta’s al dente texture and the sauce’s luxurious, creamy consistency for the best dining experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 830
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 53 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg