Name: Baby Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 Turns Of The Pan); 2 Tablespoons Butter (Cut Into Small Pieces); 1 Large Shallot (Finely Chopped); 1 lemon (Zested); ⅓ Pound Baby Shrimp (300 Count); ¼ Cup Dry Vermouth Or White Wine; ½ Cup Grape Tomatoes; ⅓ Pound Angel Hair Pasta (Cooked To al dente); 2 Tablespoons Chopped Or Snipped Fresh Chives

Recipe Pin

The last time I made this Baby Shrimp Scampi was on a weekend. It was a Saturday night, and I had grand plans for myself. Wait a minute, what did you think? Plans, as in me, my favorite book, “It Ends With Us,” and a glass of Blue Lagoon.

But yeah, the universe had other plans, and in no time I found myself preparing an impromptu dinner for a few friends who decided to surprise me just so I wouldn’t feel alone. How thoughtful of them, right?

But then came the panic mode of what I would serve them. That’s when I remembered my go-to recipe for Baby Shrimp Scampi, which came to my rescue. With some kitchen staples and a pack of baby shrimps in the freezer, I thought I would be able to make something that would not only satisfy the crowd but also compel them to think that I’ve been planning this all along.

The beauty of this dish is its ease of adaptation. It combines soft baby shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This velvety sauce provides a savory base for the sweet, tender shrimp, which perfectly absorb its flavors. Moroever, the medley of refreshing lemon zest and complex white wine keeps every bite balanced and satisfying, and pairs well with just about anything, such as pasta, noodles, salads, or breads.

Hence, instead of panicking, I ended up serving my friends a crowd-pleasing meal, which they absolutely loved. I mean, yay! High-fi! So, here’s the guide to turning your shock into a pleasant surprise with this baby shrimp scampi.

Equipments Required

A Non-Stick Pan: I like to use a non-stick pan because it prevents ingredients from sticking.
Sharp Knife: I recommend using a sharp knife to cut the ingredients properly.
Chopping Board: I always prefer to use a chopping board as a base for cutting ingredients. This helps me keep the kitchen clean without making a mess of the counter.
Big Pot: You will need a big pot to boil the pasta.
Strainer: When your pasta is cooked, you will need a strainer to remove the excess water.

Baby Shrimp Scampi Ingredients And Substitutions

Note: The ingredients below will help you serve 2 people. Moreover, it’s up to you to adjust the ingredient quantities if you wish to prepare more servings.

2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, 2 Turns Of The Pan: You can also use regular olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil in place of extra virgin olive oil. However, they will provide a slightly different flavor.
2 Tablespoons Butter, Cut Into Small Pieces
1 Large Shallot, Finely Chopped: Running short of shallots? No worries, finely chopped onions, scallions, or leeks can do the trick.
1 lemon, Zested: A small amount of lime zest will work perfectly as an alternative to lemon zest.
⅓ Pound Baby Shrimp, 300 Count: If you run out of baby shrimp, then regular shrimp or cooked crab meat can also be used.
¼ Cup Dry Vermouth or White Wine: I recommend using red wine if you are out of dry vermouth or white wine.
½ Cup Grape Tomatoes: I always use cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes whenever I run out of grape tomatoes.
⅓ Pound Angel Hair Pasta, Cooked To al dente: You can also use spaghetti or any other pasta shape of your choice.
Salt And Pepper
2 Tablespoons Chopped or Snipped Fresh Chives: When I run out of chives, I use fresh parsley or green onions instead.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation time	Cooking time	Total time
5 Minutes	20 Minutes	25 Minutes

How To Make Baby Shrimp Scampi At Home

Step 1

In a large saucepan, add water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then add your hair pasta along with a little salt and let it cook.

Step 2

Meanwhile, prepare your sauce by adding a small amount of butter to a pan. Then add extra-virgin olive oil to the pan.

Step 3

Now add the shallots to the pan and sauté them until golden.

Step 4

Then, add lemon zest to the same pan.

Step 5

Now add baby shrimp.

Step 6

Allow the shrimp to cook.

Step 7

Once you see the shrimp change color, add white wine to the pan.

Step 8

Now, add some chopped cherry tomatoes and mix them well.

Step 9

Finally, add the cooked, drained hair pasta and mix well.

Step 10

Season it with salt and pepper, and your Baby Shrimp Scampi will be ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I always sauté the garlic over a medium flame to bring out its sweet, mellow flavor. I make sure that the garlic is not burnt, as this can make the dish bitter.
I always deglaze the pan with white wine as soon as I finish making the shrimp. This process lifts all the caramelized bits stuck to the pan and makes the sauce more flavourful.
I recommend adding a pinch of salt to the boiling water while you cook your pasta. This helps to flavor the pasta.
I love the flavor of fresh herbs in my dishes. Hence, I always sprinkle fresh parsley and lemon juice on my scampi before serving. This gives a refreshing twist to the buttery flavors.
To ensure a creamy sauce consistency, I monitor the amount of liquid I add. If the sauce becomes too thick, I add a splash of pasta water or broth to adjust its consistency.
I always cook shrimp just until they are opaque and firm. Overcooking the shrimp can result in a rubbery texture.
Balancing flavors is crucial for a well-rounded dish, so I advise you to taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as necessary.

FAQs About Baby Shrimp Scampi

What should you do if the shrimp are overcooked?

If the shrimp are overcooked, they become rubbery and tough. To fix them, soak them in brine for 10-20 minutes, and they will become tender and juicy again.

How can the garlic be prevented from burning?

If you cook the garlic over high heat, it will burn. To prevent burning, set the heat to medium and keep an eye on it. Keep stirring the garlic frequently and immediately remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden.

Why is the sauce too watery?

If you add too much liquid, your sauce will be watery. Just simmer the sauce over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

How can you make sure the shrimp is properly seasoned?

If you taste the shrimp before serving, you can get an idea of whether they are properly seasoned. Keep adjusting the seasonings with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the flavors should not overpower each other but stay balanced.

How can you make sure that the pasta and shrimp are well combined?

After draining the pasta, toss it in the pan with the shrimp to combine.

How can you make the sauce more flavourful?

You can enrich the flavor of your sauce by adding a few more seasonings, such as red pepper flakes, herbs of your choice, lemon juice, or even grated parmesan cheese.

What should you do if your pasta is sticking together?

If you overcook the pasta, it may stick together. To prevent this, keep stirring the pasta at regular intervals while it is being boiled. Also, add a little bit of olive oil to the boiling water.

Can I prepare the Shrimp Scampi in advance?

Yes, you can make this Shrimp Scampi in advance, but it’s better to do some preparation ahead of time rather than fully cooking it in advance. You can chop the veggies and zest the lemon before. Make sure to cook the shrimp and sauce fresh, as the shrimp can easily get rubbery when reheated. Also, store the components separately and only reheat them before serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This dish makes for a really delicious meal. However, it’s rich in calories and fat. Therefore, enjoying it once in a while is recommended.

I have added the nutritional information of this recipe in the table below for your reference.

Calories	9 kcal
Total Fat	27 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Carbohydrates	69 g
Dietary Fibre	5 g
Sugar	7 g
Protein	27 g
Cholesterol	152 mg
Sodium	741 mg

This delicious and comforting Shrimp Scampi recipe is perfectly suitable for a high-protein diet.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Keto-Friendly: To make this dish keto-friendly, I simply substitute angel hair pasta with shirataki or zucchini noodles. I also used a keto-approved fat, such as coconut oil, and reduced the amount of butter.
Gluten-Free: For preparing a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free pasta. If you do not have one, you can also serve your scampi over rice or quinoa.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigerator: Whenever I have extra baby shrimp scampi, I simply allow it to come to room temperature. Then, I put it in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. This way, it stays fresh for up to two days.
Freezer: If you wish to keep your shrimp for a very long time, the best way to preserve them is to freeze them. Just portion out the scampi into the freezer-safe bags and remove the air from them. Removing the air from the bags prevents freezer burns. This way, your scampi can be stored for up to 2 months. Toss it in pasta just before serving.

Reheating

Pan Heating: If you wish to reheat your shrimp, the best way is to do it in a pan. Just heat it over a medium flame with a little splash of water or broth of your choice. The broth loosens the sauce and enables you to stir it occasionally.
Microwave: Reheating the shrimp in the microwave is the easiest and quickest way. I transfer the shrimp to a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Then I heat it for about a minute, stirring in between every 30 seconds.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Baby Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish to enjoy on its own. However, I like to pair it with a variety of sides to enjoy a wholesome meal. Therefore, I often serve it with Quinoa Salad or Brussels Sprouts for a nice crunch.

A Garlic Bread on the side also goes well with shrimp scampi. Moreover, I recommend pairing it with Grilled Chicken or Crispy Salmon for a flavorful meal.

Printable Version

More Shrimp Recipes That You Can Try

Smoked Shrimp Feature Image — Bobby Flay Shrimp & Grits

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Ready To Serve — Bobby Flay Shrimp & Grits

Conclusion

This Baby Shrimp Scampi is a flavourful dish that’s always a hit among my family and friends. The blend of ingredients such as garlic, herbs, and lemon, paired with classic baby shrimp, makes it an elegant seafood option.

Moreover, this dish can also be personalized according to your dietary needs. So, the next time you crave something comforting yet indulgent, give this baby shrimp scampi a try. Until then, I will see you soon with another interesting recipe.

Quick Baby Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Equipments Required

Baby Shrimp Scampi Ingredients And Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time