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Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that sounds fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s often associated with buttery garlic sauce, a splash of white wine, and juicy shrimp tossed over pasta. But what if you’re avoiding alcohol, cooking for kids, or just don’t have wine on hand? No problem! This easy shrimp scampi recipe without wine is here to save your dinner plans – and trust me, you won’t even miss the wine.
With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under 30 minutes. The magic lies in fresh garlic, high-quality butter, a touch of lemon juice, and juicy shrimp—all sautéed to perfection and served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is a winner every single time.
Let’s dive into this flavor-packed, wine-free version of a classic.
Ingredients for Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious shrimp scampi without wine recipe:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Shrimp is the star of the show—go for large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Butter provides the rich, velvety base of the sauce and helps bring all the flavors together. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a hint of fruitiness to the sauce. - 6 garlic cloves, minced
Garlic is essential in scampi—it creates that signature savory flavor we all love. - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For a gentle kick and extra depth of flavor—adjust to your heat preference. - Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Lemon juice adds a bright, acidic pop that mimics the tanginess of wine. - 1/4 cup chicken broth or seafood broth
A flavorful and wine-free way to build a light sauce base. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Adds color and freshness to balance the richness of the butter. - Salt and black pepper, to taste
Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish. - 8 ounces of pasta (angel hair, spaghetti, or linguine)
A perfect vehicle for soaking up that luscious scampi sauce. - Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
While not traditional, it adds a nutty, savory finish that complements the dish beautifully.
Instructions On How to Make Shrimp Scampi Without Wine
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp (or buy them ready to go). Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear better.
Pro Tip: Use fresh garlic, not the jarred kind. The flavor difference is huge in a dish like this!
2. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don’t let the garlic brown.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce
To the same skillet, add the lemon juice and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. Stir occasionally.
6. Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together gently. Add some reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Serve Immediately
Dish out the shrimp scampi hot, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tip: Serve with lemon wedges on the side to let everyone adjust the tang to their liking.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Recipe
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook fast! As soon as they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright, zesty flavor.
- Deglaze properly. Scrape the skillet while adding broth to incorporate all those flavorful brown bits.
- Add pasta water gradually. It helps emulsify the sauce without watering it down too much.
- Use high-quality butter. The better the butter, the richer the sauce will taste.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with easy shrimp scampi recipe without wine? Here are some tasty pairings:
- Garlic Bread: Soak up all that buttery sauce with crispy slices of toasted bread.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and nutrition.
- Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Rice or Quinoa: Great alternatives to pasta if you’re keeping things gluten-free.
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): For a low-carb option, swap out the pasta.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
There are plenty of ways to make this easy shrimp scampi recipe without wine your own:
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Double the lemon juice and zest for a bolder citrus flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve it over cauliflower rice.
- Low Carb: Swap pasta for spiralized veggies or serve with roasted spaghetti squash.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or seafood stock works great too. Even plain water with a pinch of salt will do in a pinch.
Is shrimp scampi traditionally made with wine?
Yes, but this wine-free version uses lemon juice and broth to create a similar tangy depth of flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Substitutes & Ingredient Alternatives
- Shrimp Alternatives: Try scallops, diced chicken breast, or plant-based shrimp for a different protein.
- Olive Oil Substitute: Use avocado oil or light sesame oil for a different flavor profile.
- Butter Alternative: Vegan butter or ghee can be used if you’re dairy-free.
- Broth Substitute: If you’re out of broth, dissolve 1/2 bouillon cube in warm water as a quick replacement.
- Pasta Options: Use rice noodles, whole wheat pasta, or even couscous for a twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Final Thoughts
This easy shrimp scampi recipe without wine proves that you don’t need alcohol to create a flavor-packed, satisfying meal. With simple ingredients, a quick cooking process, and plenty of ways to customize it to your liking, this dish is bound to become a weeknight favorite in your home.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this easy shrimp scampi recipe without wine recipe is approachable, family-friendly, and downright delicious.
Have you tried making this easy shrimp scampi recipe without wine at home?
Drop a comment below and let us know how it turned out!
If you loved this recipe, check out some of our Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe and Garlic and Herb Seasoning .
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