How to Make Classic Shrimp Scampi

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Shrimp Scampi is one of my favorite back pocket recipes! It is ready in 30 minutes, it has a simple ingredient list (less than 10 ingredients!), & it’s seriously delicious.

What is “Classic” Shrimp Scampi?

The classic Italian dish has a simple ingredient list that is always included:

  • Shrimp (of course)
  • Lemon
  • Garlic
  • Butter (&/or Olive Oil)
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • White Wine
  • Parsley
  • Salt

I always add Capers as well. Typically I’d say don’t mess with a classic, but in this case I think the addition elevates the flavor a lot. You can always make this without capers but I highly encourage you to try it with capers at least once.

What to serve with Shrimp Scampi?

If you’re going for a “true” classic shrimp scampi dinner, then pasta is always the best choice. Linguine or Fettucine work very well to pick up the lemon butter sauce.

Be sure to reserve at least a 1/2 cup of the cooked pasta water aside when you drain the pasta. Add the water back in (a little bit at a time) with the pasta when you add it to the lemon butter sauce. This will help the sauce stick to the noodles.

If you’re making this for an appetizer to share with friends, crusty bread is a great option! You can pile the shrimp on the bread to scoop it up & then be sure to use the bread to soak up all of that lemon butter sauce.

If you’re being mindful of carbs, or you are currently doing a round of Whole 30, then Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Squash is the perfect companion. I like to put the spaghetti squash right in the pan with the lemon butter sauce to soak it up. Let’s be honest, the squash ‘noodles’ are really just a vehicle for the sauce to get in my mouth.

Did you make this Classic Shrimp Scampi? Please tell me all about how it went! I really appreciate all of your feedback & I love seeing your creations. Please leave a review & comment below. And don’t forget to take a quick pic of your creation, and tag This & That on Instagram or Facebook!

Classic Shrimp Scampi

This easy Shrimp Scampi recipe is quick to make & sure to impress. Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or spaghetti squash to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 T Olive Oil
  • 2 T Unsalted Butter substitute ghee for Whole30
  • 6 large cloves of Garlic minced
  • 1- 1.5 lb Jumbo Shrimp peeled & deveined, raw
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup Dry White Wine or Broth I use Pinot Grigio (can be eliminated for Whole30)
  • 1/2 t Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 Lemon halved
  • 1/4 c Parsley finely chopped
  • 3 T Capers

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil & butter; reduce heat once butter has melted. Add garlic & sauté until fragrant (30 seconds – 1 minute).
  • Add shrimp to the pan, in a single layer if possible. Season with salt & pepper to taste; sauté for 2 minutes on each side. Shrimp should be about halfway cooked.
  • Pour in wine (or broth), add the red pepper flakes & capers. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp is cooked through (pink & opaque).
  • Remove the pan from the heat. Squeeze the lemon halves all over the shrimp & sprinkle with parsley.
  • Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or spaghetti squash (recipe in notes).
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Be sure to use all of the sauce! Put your pasta or spaghetti squash right in the pan to soak up the sauce. Or dip crusty bread in to soak it up.
Keyword 30 minutes, balanced, capers, easy, garlic, healthy, lemon, simple

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