Speedy Shrimp Scampi

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Quick shrimp scampi with bright lemon, garlic, and a hint of heat, tossed with angel hair pasta for a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon rind
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 12 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a pan.
  2. Add sliced scallions, minced garlic, lemon rind, lemon juice, and salt; cook 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on cooking time. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used in half the amount. Adding a splash of white wine during cooking can elevate the flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes along with the hot sauce for extra kick. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various Italian recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp scampi over the cooked angel hair pasta, garnished with extra parsley for freshness. A side of garlic bread complements the meal beautifully, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. For more seafood recipes, consider trying the Lemon Clam Spaghetti.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of water to help revive the sauce's consistency while reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Speedy Shrimp Scampi contains roughly 332 calories, with 37g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

332 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 37.4g 75% DV
Total Fat 8g 10% DV
Carbs 30.8g 11% DV
Fiber 8.7g 31% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1140.2mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 260.2mg 87% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 141.7mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 49.5mg 55% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 464.8mg 36% DV
Iron 7.9mg 44% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thawing them under cold running water. Frozen shrimp may have more moisture, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for butter if I want a lighter version?

You can substitute olive oil for butter to create a lighter version of this dish. Olive oil will provide a different flavor profile but still complements the garlic and lemon beautifully. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based butter or margarine.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more spice, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or incorporate red pepper flakes while cooking. Additionally, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your personal preference.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Italian recipes → Seafood recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →