Introduction

Creamy Shrimp Scampi is a delightful twist on the classic seafood pasta dish, combining tender shrimp with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, etc.)
2 tbsp grapeseed oil
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Bayou City Lemon Pepper
1 tsp old bay seasoning
Pinch of salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 shallot (minced)
1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, old bay, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add butter, shallot, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine or chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet along with some reserved pasta water. Toss everything to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Transfer the creamy shrimp scampi to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Tips & Variations

Substitute white wine with chicken stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Use fresh garlic and shallots for the best flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Swap out shirmp for scallops or chicken for a different protein.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Storage

Store leftover creamy shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?

Long, thin pasta like linguine or spaghetti works well as it holds the creamy sauce nicely and complements the shrimp’s texture.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 102 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Shrimp Scampi recipe featuring perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a luscious garlic, white wine, and parmesan cream sauce served over al dente pasta. This dish combines zesty lemon, aromatic spices, and fresh parsley for a delightful dinner that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood & Pasta

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, etc.)

Seasonings

1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Bayou City Lemon Pepper
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Pinch of salt
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fats & Aromatics

2 tbsp grapeseed oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced

Liquids & Dairy

1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Citrus & Garnish

2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Bayou City Lemon Pepper, Old Bay seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this seasoning blend to coat evenly.
Sauté the shrimp: Heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning. Pour in the white wine or chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce combines smoothly.
Combine pasta and shrimp with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary to balance the flavors.
Serve and garnish: Transfer the creamy shrimp scampi to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley to add freshness and color.
Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full spectrum of rich and zesty flavors in this classic creamy shrimp scampi.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic option, substitute white wine with chicken stock as indicated.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Feel free to swap grapeseed oil with olive oil for a different flavor nuance.
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Keywords: Creamy Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp, White Wine Sauce, Italian Dinner, Easy Seafood Recipe