Name: Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or low-sodium chicken broth); 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (plus wedges for serving); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

If you’re on the lookout for a quick, impressive dish that bursts with flavor, you just have to try my Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe. This recipe is one of my absolute go-tos when I want something that feels fancy but comes together in under 10 minutes. You’ll find that the garlic, butter, and a splash of white wine create a luscious sauce that perfectly complements juicy shrimp – it’s a total crowd-pleaser every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: You can have this shrimp scampi ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates a sauce that’s rich yet refreshing.
Versatile Serving: Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or even on its own for a light meal.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this easy recipe, and I bet yours will too!

In a white oval dish filled with plump cooked shrimp, the shrimp are arranged in a loose pile with orange-pink tails curled and white meaty bodies showing. They are coated in a glossy yellow garlic butter sauce mixed with bright green chopped herbs scattered on top and mixed throughout. A silver spoon inside the dish holds several shrimp, partially covered in sauce, as two lemon wedges sit beside the dish on a white marbled surface. The shrimp have a lightly browned texture and there are small bits of garlic visible on them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine, shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp recipe, quick seafood dinner, white wine shrimp pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together beautifully to give you that classic Italian shrimp scampi flavor. I like to use fresh garlic and a good quality dry white wine because those little details really shine through in the final dish.

Flat lay of large raw shrimp with shells peeled and tails on, a small white bowl of unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, four whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of dry white wine, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl of chopped fresh parsley, two lemon wedges, coarse salt crystals, and black peppercorns scattered neatly, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine, shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp recipe, quick seafood dinner, white wine shrimp pasta

Large Shrimp: I prefer peeled and deveined shrimp, tails on or off depending on how you like to eat them.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing; it gives the dish a subtle fruity aroma.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key to that signature shrimp scampi taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I love the slight heat they add to balance the richness.
Dry White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc works great, or you can substitute low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and lifts all the flavors in the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a fresh, herbaceous note.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on what I have at home or the vibe I want for dinner.

Spicy Kick: I’ve added extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicier, bolder flavor, which my spice-loving friends adore.
Herb Swap: Sometimes I use fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different herbaceous touch that’s equally delicious.
Protein Alternatives: If I’m feeling adventurous, I substitute shrimp with scallops or thinly sliced chicken breasts, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp for Success

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this step is key because moisture can prevent a good sear. Then, season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper; trust me, this little seasoning goes a long way in building flavor. I like to use ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper to start.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp to Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat—it’s this combo that makes the shrimp perfectly golden and flavorful. Place your shrimp in a single layer and cook about 1-2 minutes per side until they just turn opaque. A quick tip: don’t crowd the pan or flip too often; a nice sear means better texture. Once done, remove them immediately to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Build That Incredible Sauce

Lower your heat to medium and add the rest of your olive oil and butter to the skillet. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant – watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until reduced by half. Then stir in fresh lemon juice, which brightens everything up.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet along with any juices from the plate—that extra flavor is gold! Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp in that beautiful garlicky, buttery sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon it over your favorite pasta or just grab some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing—trust me, the zestiness is addictive!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe

Dry Your Shrimp Thoroughly: This avoids steaming and helps you get that beautiful sear that adds texture and flavor.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Once they turn pink and opaque, take them off heat immediately to keep them juicy.
Use White Wine You’d Drink: The wine flavor really shines through, so pick a dry white wine you enjoy sipping.
Fresh Garlic is Essential: Pre-minced garlic won’t give you the same punch—freshly minced is the way to go.

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe

A white round plate holds about two dozen cooked shrimp arranged in a loose pile. The shrimp have a pinkish-orange color with white flesh showing, and they are sprinkled with chopped green herbs. They sit in a glossy, light yellow garlic herb butter sauce that pools around the shrimp. On the left side of the plate, there are two lemon wedges resting against the shrimp. A silver spoon scoops up one shrimp from the right side of the pile. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine, shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp recipe, quick seafood dinner, white wine shrimp pasta

Garnishes

I love tossing on some fresh chopped parsley because it adds a lovely color and freshness to the buttery sauce. A generous squeeze of lemon juice right before serving really amplifies the flavors and gives the dish some zing. Sometimes I also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if I’m serving over pasta for an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to pair with this shrimp scampi are simple and comforting—think garlic bread, a crisp green salad packed with vinaigrette, or even roasted asparagus. The richness of the scampi balances perfectly with fresh or roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this shrimp scampi over a bed of creamy risotto or show off the sauce by serving it inside hollowed-out toasted baguette boats. Another fun way is to toss everything into a warm phyllo shell for bite-sized, elegant appetizers. Trust me, these little touches make dinner feel like a celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Because shrimp cooks so quickly, the texture can get a bit rubbery after a couple of days, so I recommend enjoying it within that window for best results.

Freezing

Freezing cooked shrimp scampi isn’t my favorite because the shrimp can become tough and the sauce might separate. However, if you want to freeze it, do so without the lemon and parsley, then add fresh lemon juice and herbs after reheating. Freeze in a sealed container for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp over low heat on the stove just until heated through—you want to avoid overcooking. I add a splash of extra olive oil or a bit of white wine if the sauce seems too thick after reheating. Microwave works in a pinch, but be cautious not to dry out the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture from frozen shrimp can prevent proper searing, so drying is key for that perfect texture and flavor.
What if I don’t want to use white wine?

No problem. You can substitute dry white wine with low-sodium chicken broth or even vegetable broth. It won’t have the exact same depth of flavor, but it still creates a delicious sauce without alcohol.
How do I know when shrimp is perfectly cooked?

Shrimp cooks quickly and is done when it turns from translucent to a pinkish, opaque color and curls into a gentle “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” shape and become rubbery, so watch them closely!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free pasta or sides like rice or zucchini noodles. Just double-check any broth or seasoning for hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and White Wine Recipe turns out every time—it’s that perfect mix of fast, flavorful, and just fancy enough to impress. When I first tried this, I was surprised how simple ingredients come together to create something so delicious. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it, whether it’s a quick dinner for one or a special meal to share. Give it a try and make it your own—you won’t regret it!