Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Shrimp scampi one pan recipe offers restaurant flair right to your weeknight dinner table without the fuss of multiple dishes.
This classic preparation has been winning hearts for decades with its rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked seafood that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
When everything cooks together in a single vessel, the flavors meld beautifully while cleanup becomes wonderfully simple.
Whether serving date night dinner or casual family meals, the combination delivers satisfaction every single time.
The aroma alone fills the kitchen with warmth that makes everyone gather around in anticipation.
Best of all, what seems impressive to serve actually requires minimal effort once you know the technique.
What Makes One-Pan Shrimp Scampi So Convenient
What Goes Into One-Pan Shrimp Scampi
Main Proteins:Pasta Base:Liquid Flavor Enhancers:Fat and Richness Components:Aromatics and Seasonings:Serving Accompaniment:Tools Used for One-Pan Shrimp Scampi
One-Pan Cooking Guide for Shrimp Scampi
Prepare Shrimp
Grab your pound of large shrimp and toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each shrimp gets nicely coated.
Build the Garlic Base
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Drop in 6 minced garlic cloves and let them sizzle for about 1 minute until they smell amazing but haven’t turned brown.
Cook Shrimp
Place your seasoned shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until they turn pink. Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate.
Create the Sauce
Pour these ingredients into the hot skillet:
Scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture bubble for 3 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Add 8 ounces linguine to the skillet, making sure it’s mostly covered by liquid. If needed, splash in a bit more broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes.
Finish the Dish
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in:
Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta.
Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley over the top. Add the final tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright squeeze of flavor.
Which Tips Improve One Pan Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi One-Pan Variations
Best Serving Ideas for One Pan Shrimp Scampi
Easy Storage Ideas for One-Pan Shrimp Scampi
One-Pan Shrimp Scampi FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them sear properly.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem! Replace white wine with extra chicken broth or even water. The recipe will still taste delicious and have plenty of flavor from the garlic and seasonings.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them if your family prefers a milder flavor, or add more if you enjoy extra spice.
Can I substitute linguine with another pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta work perfectly. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different pasta shapes might need slightly different liquid amounts.
What should the shrimp look like when they’re perfectly cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn from gray to pink and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch them carefully during the 2-3 minute cooking time.
How do I know the pasta is cooked correctly?
Test the pasta for doneness by tasting a strand. Al dente pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness when you bite it.
Shrimp Scampi One Pan Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Whipping up Shrimp Scampi takes just minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen. Garlic, butter, and succulent shrimp come together for a speedy dinner that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Proteins:
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Aromatics and Liquids:
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic
Fats and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Drizzle 1 pound shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkling salt and black pepper over the seafood. Allow seasoned shrimp to rest while preparing other ingredients.
- Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at medium heat (375°F). Sauté 6 minced garlic cloves for 90 seconds until aromatic, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer across the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and translucent. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
- Pour ½ cup white wine and ¼ cup chicken broth into the same skillet. Scrape accumulated browned bits from pan bottom using a wooden spoon. Simmer liquid for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add 8 ounces linguine pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring pasta is completely submerged in liquid. Add extra broth if needed to cover pasta.
- Cover skillet and reduce heat to low (325°F). Simmer pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Maintain moisture by adding small amounts of liquid if necessary.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes into pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Gently reintroduce cooked shrimp to the skillet, folding carefully to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup fresh parsley over the dish. Add final tablespoon of butter and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your scampi.
- Cast iron skillet works best, but a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan will also deliver excellent results.
- Salt your pasta water generously when preparing the dish to enhance overall seasoning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute linguine with zucchini noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Shrimp
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg


Susan Whitaker
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