Easy Weeknight Shrimp Scampi With Pasta

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Everyone around my house loves these types of delicious pasta dishes! You will enjoy this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe. A simple & quick meal! Just a few easy steps and dish. Perfect for those busy weeknights! Made with Garlic, Red Pepper, and Pasta.

Easy Weeknight Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Recipe

There are often times when dinner is always a question. I can plan ahead by using my meal plan, but things happen and my planned meals get pushed to the side. I have a few meals that I keep in my “back pocket” (so to speak), that scream I am here and easy to make.

 This Easy Weeknight Shrimp Scampi recipe is one of them.

If you have fresh shrimp, wonderful! But similarly, you can always replace it with frozen shrimp.

To defrost shrimp, simply place shrimp in a bowl covered in a lukewarm water bath. It will take minutes to defrost as you are prepping other ingredients for this meal. By the time the pasta water has come to a boil, the shrimp should be defrosted enough to cook.

Shrimp scampi has to be one of the easiest ways to quickly prepare shrimp. You won’t believe how easy this comes together in just 15 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights! Which believe me, I have more crazy nights than nothing to do nights.

This is another reason why I prefer meal planning. It really does keep me sane.

What Type of Shrimp to Buy

I recommend cooking frozen raw shrimp.  First, it is cheaper than its counterpart. Second, it is pure convenience to have a bag of frozen shrimp in your freezer whenever you need it. BUT, did you know???  the shrimp they sell at the counter is just about always frozen and thawed? So you might as well buy it frozen and defrost it yourself to save some money!

What Type of Skillet to Use

I recommend using a non-stick skillet for this. You can use another kind, but since you need to cook this gently, a non-stick skillet will allow you to easily flip and mix the garlic and shrimp together.  I find a non-stick just makes things easier. Not to mention, the cleanup is a breeze.

I used a 12-inch Nonstick Skillet. While the pictures don’t reflect my skillet. To be honest, they don’t photo well.  I had to use my other skillet for this one. But I highly recommend my favorite non-stick skillet (in the link). Very durable and oven-safe!

Let’s Get Cooking This Easy Weeknight shrimp Recipe

Before you start cooking this recipe, please make sure you have all your ingredients prepped beforehand. It comes together very quickly. You want to be prepared

Ingredients for this shrimp scampi recipe

• 1 lb shrimp (approximately 20 large shrimp)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white wine, optional
• 1 tsp dried Oregano, or to taste
• Medium tomato, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 2 tsps. lemon juice
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried Parsley, or to taste
• Your choice in pasta

What Kind of Shrimp Should You Use

For this recipe I recommend using frozen and thawed shrimp. The shrimp you purchase at the meat/seafood counter is almost always previously frozen. So, unless you live right off the coast then some places you might be buying actual fresh caught shrimp

The first thing you need to do is heat your olive oil in a skillet. Give it a few minutes on medium-high. Next, add the shrimp and cook 5-7 minutes. I do suggest that you start cooking your pasta now. Making sure that both will be done roughly around the same time.

Now is the time to remove shrimp and add the garlic to the oil, cook for 2 minutes.  Reduce heat, add the shrimp, lemon juice, veggies, and spices, along with butter. (If using wine: Reduce heat, add the shrimp, lemon juice, veggies, and spices, along with the wine.

I often just prefer to use white cooking wine.  Simmer until wine volume is reduced by half and then add butter.

Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it and add to the shrimp pan, tossing to coat completely with the oil-butter mixture and spices.

This may be hard to believe, but this really comes together in just 15 minutes. It is quick and just delicious.

The only time-consuming part may be the peeling of the shrimp, but if you’re short on time, you can even purchase the pre-peeled ones. Hey, I’m not one to judge – I’ve done that on several occasions, especially on those busy nights! 

Enjoy!

Easy Weeknight Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Recipe

Shrimp scampi may sound fancy, but it’s such an incredibly easy dinner to make on any weeknight! The thick sauce has three cloves of garlic and lots of butter, making it rich and luxurious. And all made in under 30 minutes with no hassle or stress. 

If you made this recipe, we would love to hear all about it. We get so excited when we learn that you have chosen to make one of our recipes featured on Inspiring Savings. Please leave us a comment below.

Other Easy Weeknight Meals

Ginger Garlic Pork Meatballs Recipe

Easy Weeknight Barbecue Meatloaf Recipe

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Bake Recipe

Easy Apple Raisin Smothered Pork Chops