Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Shrimp Scampi is a delightful twist on the classic seafood pasta, combining tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering comforting flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, etc)
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Bayou City Lemon Pepper
- 1 tsp old bay
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan (grated)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, old bay, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add butter, shallot, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in white wine or chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is well combined.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with some reserved pasta water, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 8: Transfer the creamy shrimp scampi to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free meal without sacrificing texture.
- Swap grapeseed oil with olive oil for a more traditional flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and shallot.
- White wine can be replaced with chicken stock for a milder sauce.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Storage
Store leftover creamy shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream from separating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking for the best texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute white wine with chicken stock or vegetable broth. This will keep the sauce flavorful without the alcohol content.
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Creamy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Shrimp Scampi is a luscious blend of tender shrimp and al dente pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with hints of lemon and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe balances bold seasonings with a velvety sauce to bring out the best flavors of seafood and pasta.
Ingredients
Seafood & Pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or similar)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Bayou City Lemon Pepper
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Cooking Fats & Liquids
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Produce & Dairy
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Old Bay, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, minced shallot, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and translucent but not browned. Pour in the white wine or chicken stock, bringing it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook while stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and combined.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the creamy shrimp scampi to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease and better texture.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- White wine adds a depth of flavor, but chicken stock works well if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
- Save some of the pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Grapeseed oil is preferred for high-heat cooking, but olive oil can be substituted if needed.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and improves flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy shrimp scampi, shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, lemon shrimp pasta, easy shrimp scampi, creamy seafood pasta, quick dinner recipe

