Irresistible Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Ready in 20 Minutes

Craving a shrimp scampi that upgrades an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience?

Succulent seafood meets velvety cream in this irresistible culinary creation that whispers luxury and comfort.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a symphony of rich, harmonious flavors that elevate simple components into something extraordinary.

Ocean-fresh shellfish nestle within a silky sauce that captures the essence of indulgence without overwhelming complexity.

Garlic and herbs provide a fragrant backdrop that makes this dish both sophisticated and approachable for home cooks.

Delicate yet robust, this recipe bridges the gap between restaurant-quality cuisine and home-cooked warmth.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a meal that feels like a delicious secret.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Shrimp Scampi

• Unlock Luxurious Flavor Fusion: Indulge in a restaurant-quality dish that blends zesty garlic, tangy lemon, and succulent shrimp into one incredible taste experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece.
• Quick Weeknight Culinary Magic: Prepare an impressive meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals or home cooks wanting a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Textural Delight in Every Bite: Enjoy the perfect contrast between tender golden-seared shrimp, silky cream sauce, and al dente linguine that creates a multi-dimensional mouthfeel with each forkful.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Meal: Packed with 35 grams of protein and balanced nutrition, this dish satisfies hunger while delivering a decadent dining experience that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Ingredients

• Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp with sweet and delicate flavor, best when deveined and shell removed.

• Shallots: Mild and sweet onion variety that adds subtle depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic ingredient that provides intense flavor base.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and warm spiciness to the dish.

• White Wine: Provides acidic brightness and complex depth to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds fresh citrus notes and helps balance the richness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious texture and rich mouthfeel.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings bright, green color and mild herbaceous flavor.

• Linguine: Classic long, flat pasta that perfectly catches creamy sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that adds umami and final flavor complexity.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce base.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Sear Shrimp

Gather your fresh shrimp and season them with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Sear the shrimp until they turn golden and develop a beautiful color, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

• Finely chopped shallots
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté the ingredients until they become fragrant and release their incredible aroma. Pour in white wine, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Let the mixture simmer and reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.

Step 3: Build Luxurious Sauce

Introduce heavy cream to the skillet, stirring gently. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to thicken and become smooth and velvety. Add cooked linguine directly into the sauce, tossing to coat every strand. Gently fold in the seared shrimp. Finish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot and incredibly delicious.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Tips

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select plump, firm shrimp with a mild ocean scent for the best flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Sear shrimp quickly on high heat to prevent rubbery, tough meat that loses its delicate sweetness.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer cream sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
• Balance Flavors Carefully: Add lemon juice and white wine gradually, tasting to create a perfectly balanced, bright sauce.
• Serve Immediately: Plate the dish right after combining ingredients to maintain the pasta's ideal temperature and sauce's creamy consistency.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers of Creamy Shrimp Scampi

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect other refrigerator foods from absorbing seafood odors. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Reheating: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery shrimp.
• Freezing: While possible, cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. If freezing, place cooled scampi in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pairing Tips

• Blend Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the creamy, zesty shrimp scampi, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread with a golden, buttery crust provides the ideal vehicle for soaking up the luxurious sauce, adding delightful texture to each bite.
• Create Fresh Salad Companion: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a peppery freshness that balances the dish's creamy profile, offering a crisp counterpoint to the rich seafood.
• Match Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives to enhance the herb notes, adding a vibrant green pop and elevating the overall flavor complexity of the shrimp scampi.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Variations

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace linguine with orzo pasta and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate diced tomatoes and swap red pepper flakes for dried oregano for a Greek-inspired seafood experience.
• Spicy Cajun Splash: Use Cajun seasoning instead of red pepper flakes. Add andouille sausage and bell peppers for extra heat and complexity. Finish with green onions for a New Orleans-style shrimp scampi.
• Light Zucchini Swap: Substitute linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories. Garnish with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts for added texture.
• Coconut Tropical Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Add ginger and lemongrass for an Asian-inspired profile. Serve over jasmine rice and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for an exotic touch.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Shrimp Scampi whisks Mediterranean coastal charm onto plates with succulent shrimp nestled in silky garlic butter sauce. Pasta lovers will dive into this quick, elegant dinner that brings Italian seaside magic right to kitchens.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb linguine, cooked
• 1 lb shrimp

Protein and Dairy:

• 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (1/8 cup) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics, Seasonings, and Herbs:

• ¼ cup chopped shallots
• 2 tablespoons sliced garlic
• 1 cup white wine
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Additional:

• Olive oil for cooking

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by seasoning with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet until they turn golden brown and develop a light caramelized exterior. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, then add finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté the aromatics until they become fragrant and the shallots turn translucent, releasing their sweet, delicate flavors.
3. Pour in dry white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce by approximately one-third, which concentrates the flavors and creates a more intense sauce base.
4. Incorporate fresh chopped parsley and stir to distribute the herb’s bright, verdant notes throughout the developing sauce.
5. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Add cooked linguine directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the creamy, herbaceous mixture.
7. Reintroduce the seared shrimp to the pasta, warming them through and allowing them to meld with the sauce’s rich flavors.
8. Finish the dish by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley over the top, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of savory complexity.
9. Serve the shrimp scampi immediately while still hot, ensuring the pasta remains al dente and the sauce maintains its luxurious consistency.

Notes

• Chilling shrimp beforehand helps maintain their tender texture during cooking.
• Using fresh garlic and real butter elevates the overall flavor profile dramatically.
• Selecting medium-sized shrimp ensures consistent cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Allowing sauce to reduce concentrates the wine and lemon’s bright, complex notes.
• Stirring pasta directly into sauce helps it absorb maximum flavor and creates a silky coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 180mg