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Flavorful Shrimp Scampi Recipe Easy Garlic White Wine Sauce

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A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe featuring a lively garlic and white wine sauce that is perfect for any occasion. This dish balances garlicky butter with zesty white wine flavors for a delicious seafood dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen; wild-caught adds extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 8 oz (225g) cooked linguine or spaghetti

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Place your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt completely but don’t let it brown. (2 minutes)
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. (1 minute)
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the underside is pink and slightly golden. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and curled. Remove shrimp to a plate but keep the pan hot. (4 minutes)
  5. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and smell fragrant. (4 minutes)
  6. Lower heat and stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until butter melts fully and sauce is silky. (2 minutes)
  7. Return shrimp to the pan, toss gently to coat in sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (1 minute)
  8. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. (Optional)

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Let the wine reduce properly for a bright, layered flavor. Finish the sauce off heat with cold butter for a silky sheen. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer off heat before adding butter. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine. Use gluten-free pasta or vegetables for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp, white wine sauce, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, seafood, pasta sauce