Shrimp Scampi One Pan: Easy Recipe & Quick Cleanup

Shrimp Scampi One Pan – the very words conjure up images of succulent shrimp glistening in a buttery, garlicky sauce, don’t they? I’m thrilled to share this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe that will have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup! Forget complicated recipes and mountains of dishes; this one-pan wonder is about to become your new weeknight go-to.

While the exact origins of Shrimp Scampi are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Italian-American cuisine. The term “scampi” itself refers to a type of small lobster native to the Mediterranean, but in the US, it has come to represent shrimp prepared in a garlic butter sauce. This dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become a beloved classic, gracing restaurant menus and home kitchens alike.

What makes Shrimp Scampi One Pan so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. The tender shrimp, bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, is simply divine. The bright lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness, while the sprinkle of fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. People adore this dish because it’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Plus, who can resist the allure of a one-pan meal? Less time cleaning means more time enjoying your culinary creation!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference!)
• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparing the Shrimp and Garlic

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. I usually leave the tails on because I think it looks prettier, but that’s totally up to you. Pat them dry with a paper towel – this helps them get a nice sear later on.

1. Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Don’t be shy with the pepper! Set this aside for now.
2. Mince the Garlic: This is crucial! You want the garlic to be finely minced so it infuses the entire dish with its wonderful flavor. I like to use a garlic press, but chopping it finely with a knife works just as well.

Cooking the Scampi in One Pan

Now for the fun part – cooking everything together in one glorious pan! This is where the magic happens, and the flavors really start to meld.

1. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect!) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep it moving in the pan!
2. Add the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook them in batches. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where a lot of the flavor is! Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly. This concentrates the flavors and creates a delicious sauce base.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked linguine pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more chicken broth or water to cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked: Cover the skillet and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Keep an eye on it – you might need to add a little more liquid if it’s drying out too quickly. You want a creamy, saucy consistency.
6. Add Butter and Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter, the lemon juice, and the red pepper flakes. The butter will melt and create a rich, glossy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Return the Shrimp: Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with the fresh parsley and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes along with the pasta for a more complete meal.
• Spice it Up: If you like things extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Scampi: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Shrimp Size: While I prefer large shrimp, you can use medium or jumbo shrimp as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Wine Substitute: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or a splash of dry sherry.

Making it Ahead

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time later. You can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Storage Instructions

Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious one-pan shrimp scampi recipe! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner party. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Shrimp Scampi One Pan recipe is truly a weeknight wonder, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire. Why? Because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Seriously, who doesn’t love a delicious meal that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes?

Think about it: succulent shrimp, bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce, all cooked to perfection in a single pan. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Pure bliss. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend gathering.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Pasta Perfection: Serve it over your favorite pasta – linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work beautifully. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the shrimp and sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
* Crusty Bread Companion: Don’t forget the crusty bread! It’s essential for soaking up every last drop of that delicious scampi sauce. A toasted baguette or sourdough would be ideal.
* Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra burst of freshness, add a generous grating of lemon zest right before serving. It brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely citrusy aroma.
* Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
* Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add some vegetables to the pan along with the shrimp. Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be the perfect accompaniment to this dish.

I truly believe that this Shrimp Scampi One Pan recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that you can whip up on a moment’s notice and still impress your family and friends. It’s also a fantastic base recipe that you can customize to your heart’s content.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this one-pan wonder. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this delightful Shrimp Scampi One Pan as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your pictures too!

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