Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Scampi: A Restaurant-Quality Recipe You Can Make at Home

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that’s beloved for its garlicky, buttery flavor and tender shrimp. But what if you could elevate this classic even further? Enter: Creamy Shrimp Scampi. This version takes everything you love about traditional scampi and adds a luscious, decadent cream sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive in!

Why This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, lemon, and parmesan cheese creates an irresistible symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the sweet shrimp.
* **Creamy Indulgence:** The addition of heavy cream transforms the sauce into a velvety, luxurious coating that clings to every strand of pasta and every juicy shrimp.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or even crusty bread for dipping – the possibilities are endless!
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant colors and creamy texture make this dish a showstopper, perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this creamy shrimp scampi recipe:

* **Shrimp:** Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed) will work. I recommend using wild-caught shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture.
* **Pasta:** Linguine is the classic choice for shrimp scampi, but you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any long pasta shape you prefer. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is essential for creating the rich, flavorful base of the sauce. You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt added later in the recipe.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is a must! Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s what gives scampi its signature flavor. Mince it finely for the best results.
* **White Wine:** Dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay, adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
* **Heavy Cream:** This is what makes the scampi creamy! Use heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) for the richest, most decadent sauce. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.
* **Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of acidity. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note to the sauce and helps to thicken it. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your liking or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Use Italian parsley for the best flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** Used to sauté the garlic and prevent the butter from burning.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

**Detailed Ingredient List:**

* 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 pound linguine pasta
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Colander
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Garlic press (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos

Here’s how to make creamy shrimp scampi, step by step:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

**Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp**

* While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic**

* In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 4: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.

**Step 5: Deglaze with Wine**

* Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the wine has reduced slightly.

**Step 6: Add the Cream and Lemon Juice**

* Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

**Step 7: Add the Parmesan Cheese**

* Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce**

* Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

**Step 9: Garnish and Serve**

* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Shrimp Scampi

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic is bitter. Cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** Deglazing the pan with wine helps to loosen up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding flavor to the sauce.
* **Add Pasta Water:** Pasta water is starchy and helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
* **Serve Immediately:** Creamy shrimp scampi is best served immediately, while the sauce is still warm and creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Shrimp Scampi:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Garlic Shrimp Scampi:** Add more garlic to the sauce for an even more garlicky flavor.
* **Vegetarian Shrimp Scampi:** Substitute the shrimp with mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a vegetarian option.
* **Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi:** Serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
* **Dairy-Free Shrimp Scampi:** Substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
* **Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi:** Add other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the sauce for added flavor.
* **Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables:** Add vegetables like asparagus, peas, or spinach to the skillet when you add the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy shrimp scampi is delicious served on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scampi.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Steamed Rice:** Serve the scampi over steamed rice for a lighter meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

While creamy shrimp scampi is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.

* **Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Garlic:** Mince the garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Sauce:** You can make the sauce ahead of time, but the cream may separate slightly when reheated. To prevent this, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture. Do not add the parmesan cheese until reheating. You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

**Important Note:** Do not cook the shrimp in advance, as they will become tough and rubbery when reheated.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover creamy shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the scampi in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture. Do not overheat, as the shrimp will become tough. You can also reheat the scampi in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 pound linguine pasta
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.
5. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the wine has reduced slightly.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Please note that this is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 600-700
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Enjoy your delicious and creamy shrimp scampi! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!