Craving a light yet flavorful dish that’s ready in minutes? This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is your answer, featuring tender shrimp bathed in a garlicky, lemony sauce with a kick of chili flakes, all tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for a solo dinner or easily scaled up for guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. With its bright flavors and simple steps, this Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a seafood lover’s dream that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking: This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is ready in less than half an hour.
- Bold Flavors: Garlic, lemon, and chili flakes create a zesty sauce.
- Light yet Satisfying: Perfectly balanced with shrimp and pasta.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh basics.
- Elegant Simplicity: Impressive enough for guests, easy enough for everyday.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Shrimp Scampi Recipe, you’ll need a few essentials. Want to upgrade your kitchen tools? Visit Our Shop at for top-quality gear! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Medium Nonstick Sauté Pan: Cooks shrimp and sauce evenly for your Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
- 4-Quart Sauce Pot: Boils pasta perfectly without sticking.
- Tongs: Tosses pasta and flips shrimp with ease.
- Microplane or Grater: Finely grates garlic and Parmesan.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi (Serves 1)
- 8-12 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 115g angel hair or capellini pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 100ml white wine
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 60g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100ml seafood stock
- 55g butter, cubed
- Parmesan, for grating
- 1 sprig basil, leaves picked
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Boil Water: Fill a 4-quart sauce pot with water, salt generously, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a medium nonstick sauté pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced shallot and finely grate 3 garlic cloves into the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Deglaze: Pour in 100ml white wine and cook until nearly evaporated.
- Build the Sauce: Add 100ml seafood stock, 2 teaspoons chili flakes, 2 tablespoons capers, 60g halved cherry tomatoes, and the zest and juice of 2 lemons. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Shrimp: Season 8-12 shrimp with salt and pepper, then poach in the sauce for 1 minute per side. Stir in 55g cubed butter until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Cook Pasta: When the water boils, add 115g pasta, pushing it in as it softens. Cook for 3-5 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and add to the sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Toss pasta with the sauce and shrimp to coat. Tear in basil leaves. Plate in a bowl, grate Parmesan over the top, and serve your Shrimp Scampi Recipe hot.
Expert Tips For Perfect Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Fresh Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp for quick prep in this Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
- Don’t Overcook: Poach shrimp just until pink to keep them tender.
- Al Dente Pasta: Check at 3 minutes—angel hair cooks fast.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust lemon and chili to your taste.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 (scale up as needed)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: Cook only 1 minute per side in the Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
- Soggy Pasta: Drain immediately and don’t rinse—keep it starchy for sauce cling.
- Too Much Heat: Medium heat prevents burning garlic.
Variations
- Spicy Boost: Increase chili flakes or add red pepper.
- Herb Swap: Use parsley instead of basil.
- No Wine: Substitute with extra stock and a splash of vinegar.
- Veggie Add: Toss in spinach or zucchini with the tomatoes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Shrimp Scampi Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of stock—microwaving works but may toughen shrimp. Freezing isn’t recommended due to texture changes in shrimp and pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.
2. What pasta works best with Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Angel hair or capellini is ideal, but spaghetti works too.
3. Can I make it ahead?
Best fresh, but you can prep sauce and shrimp, then cook pasta later.
4. How do I know shrimp is done?
It turns pink and opaque—don’t overcook past 1 minute per side.
5. Can I skip capers?
Yes, add extra lemon or salt for tang in your Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
6. Is it spicy?
Mildly, with 2 teaspoons chili flakes—adjust to preference.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a fast, flavorful escape to seafood heaven, blending zesty lemon, garlic, and shrimp in a light yet satisfying dish. Perfect for a quick solo meal or a romantic dinner, it’s as simple as it is impressive. Grab your pan, toss those shrimp, and enjoy a plate of this Shrimp Scampi Recipe tonight—it’s a classic you’ll crave again and again!
