Easy Shrimp Scampi

Serve this delicious lemon-garlic shrimp scampi over pasta or rice for an impressive but easy homemade meal.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Although shrimp scampi seems like a fancy meal, it's surprisingly easy to make. Simply cook the shrimp in lemon-garlic butter sauce and then top with parsley and Parmesan. You can even add vegetables (like we did) for an extra pop of flavor and color. Serve it over a bed of pasta or rice for an attractive homemade meal.

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Things You'll Need

  • 1 lb. shrimp, deveined, peeled or unpeeled

  • 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/2 cup broth or dry white wine

  • Salt and pepper

  • 1 tsp. lemon zest

  • 4 Tbsp. lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

  • 3 cups baby spinach (optional)

  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

Some people prefer to cook shrimp with the shell on. This method captures the shrimp's juices, which enhances their flavor. However, you'll need to peel the shrimp just before eating it. If you prefer to make a ready-to-eat meal, use peeled shrimp instead.

1. Cook the garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter. Cook the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until golden brown. Avoid burning the garlic.

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Tip

You'll need to use a skillet that's big enough to cook all the shrimp. If you don't have one, divide the sauce ingredients and shrimp between two skillets.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

2. Simmer the broth or wine

Add the broth or white wine. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or until reduced by about half.

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Tip

If you are using broth instead of wine, use chicken broth rather than beef broth for the best flavor.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

3. Cook the shrimp

Add the shrimp in an even layer. Add the spices, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. The shrimp should be light pink.

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Tip

To bring some heat to this dish, add crushed red pepper flakes.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

4. Flip the shrimp

Using tongs, flip the shrimp. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

5. Add the vegetables

Add the baby spinach and sliced tomatoes if desired. Place the lid on the skillet if you have one on hand.

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If you're not using spinach and tomatoes, skip to the last step.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

6. Cook the vegetables

Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and cooked down, stirring occasionally.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

7. Add the cheese and garnish

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Add lemon slices to the dish for an even more attractive presentation. Serve the scampi alone or over pasta, tossing with the sauce until coated.

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Tip

A crusty bread is the perfect companion to shrimp scampi so that you can soak up all of the deliciousness of the lemon-garlic butter sauce.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Hungry for more shrimp recipes? Try our simple shrimp diablo!

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