There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and lemon that makes 15 Minute Shrimp Scampi a timeless classic. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a hectic weeknight, and I was craving something restaurant-quality but didn’t have the time or energy for a complicated recipe. I stumbled upon this quick shrimp scampi recipe, and it was a game-changer. In just 15 minutes, I had a plate of buttery, garlicky shrimp tossed with tender noodles and a bright lemony finish. It felt like a gourmet meal without the fuss, and ever since, it’s been my go-to for busy evenings or last-minute dinner parties.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s fast, flavorful, and impressive, this 15 Minute Shrimp Scampi is your answer. It’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or even when you need to whip up something special for unexpected guests. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can make it in no time!
Why This Recipe is Great
- Quick and Easy: As the name suggests, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, homemade meal.
- Versatile: You can serve it over noodles, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates a rich, tangy sauce that coats the shrimp and noodles beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Required Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this 15 Minute Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp.
- 1 lb. raw shrimp, shells and tails removed: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well.
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced: The star of the show!
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons white wine: Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup minced lemon pieces: For that bright, tangy flavor.
- 8 ounces uncooked capellini noodles: Thin noodles cook quickly and pair perfectly with the shrimp.
- A handful of fresh chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herby finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
- Parmesan cheese for topping: Optional but highly recommended.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First Five Minutes: Shrimp
- Start by boiling a pot of water for the noodles.
- Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps them sear better).
- Place the shrimp in the hot skillet and let them cook for 1-2 minutes without moving them. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Second Five Minutes: Sauce and Noodles
- Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and butter. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Add the white wine and let it simmer until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Stir in the minced lemon pieces and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet just to warm them up.
Last Five Minutes: Assemble
- Drain the noodles and return them to the saucepan.
- Add the shrimp, lemon, and garlic mixture to the noodles, along with the fresh parsley. Toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, opt for fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery texture.
- Adjust the Butter: If you prefer a richer sauce, feel free to add more butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles like I did, or substitute with zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Creative Ways to Use
This 15 Minute Shrimp Scampi is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative serving ideas:
| Serving Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Over Zucchini Noodles | A low-carb, gluten-free option that’s just as delicious. |
| With Crusty Bread | Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. |
| As a Salad Topper | Serve over a bed of arugula or spinach for a light, refreshing meal. |
| With Rice or Quinoa | Swap the noodles for grains for a heartier dish. |
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: While the noodles may lose some texture, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for white wine? You can use chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead to save time.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free noodles like I did.
This 15 Minute Shrimp Scampi is a lifesaver for busy nights and a surefire way to impress your loved ones. With its bright flavors and quick prep time, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try tonight and let me know how it turns out!
Medium 15 Minute Shrimp Scampi Recipe | Ready in Just 20 …
Description
Description This simple shrimp scampi can be made in just 15 minutes! Lots of lemon flavor, buttery shrimp, fresh parsley, and noodles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- First five minutes: shrimp. Start a pot of boiling water for the noodles. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a small skillet. Press the excess moisture out of the shrimp (especially if they were originally frozen) and place them in the hot skillet. Don’t move them around right away – let them cook for 1-2 minutes before flipping them over to cook on the other side. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while still in the pan. When the shrimp are cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.
- Second five minutes: sauce and noodles. Put the noodles in the boiling water and cook as directed on the package. In the skillet used earlier, add the garlic and butter and reduce the heat to medium. Saute for 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the garlic is soft and fragrant. The garlic will taste bad if it gets burned so be careful! Add the wine and allow to cook down (simmer until there is less liquid) for a few minutes. Add the lemon pieces and saute for another 1-2 minutes. Finally, add the shrimp back to the skillet just to warm it up again.
- Last five minutes: assemble. Drain the noodles and return to the saucepan. Add the shrimp/lemon/garlic mixture and the fresh parsley. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and top with a tiny bit of Parmesan cheese..
Note
Notes
*I used frozen raw shrimp that still had the shell on so I had to spend a few minutes peeling the shells off. I also chose to remove the tails which was nice because then we didn’t have to worry about removing the tails while we were eating.
*I used pieces from the leftover blender lemonade. You could recreate this by finely chopping a little bit of lemon (rind and everything) or just use 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice and a spoon full of zest. You can easily adjust this depending on how lemony you want it to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
