I was hosting a last-minute dinner for friends when I realized I’d completely forgotten to plan the main course. With only 20 minutes until they arrived, I panicked—until I remembered this lifesaver.
One-Pan Shrimp Scampi – Easy Clean-Up Dinner became my go-to that evening, and it’s been a staple ever since. The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly it comes together while making you look like a kitchen superstar.
If you love easy one-pan meals, you should also try our Crockpot Balsamic Honey Chicken with its sweet tangy glaze for another fuss-free dinner option.
What I love most is how the garlic butter sauce simmers while the shrimp cook to perfection, creating this aromatic cloud that fills your entire home. You’ll notice guests peeking into the kitchen, drawn by that irresistible scent. And the best part? Since everything happens in one pan, cleanup is practically nonexistent—meaning more time enjoying company and less time scrubbing pots.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Italian-American | Category: Main Course | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
What You’ll Need
When I first developed this recipe, I experimented with different pan sizes and discovered a 12-inch skillet works perfectly—it gives the shrimp enough space to sear properly without overcrowding. If you’re shopping for ingredients, look for wild-caught shrimp when possible; they tend to have better texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp work wonderfully too—just thaw them overnight in your refrigerator.
The key components here are simple but crucial: fresh shrimp for that sweet seafood flavor, quality olive oil for sautéing, plenty of garlic (because can you ever have too much?), and a good white wine that you’d actually enjoy drinking. The wine reduces into this incredible sauce that coats every ingredient beautifully.
INGREDIENTS
In my kitchen, I’ve learned that prepping everything before heating the pan makes the process flow smoothly. There’s something therapeutic about measuring out the spices and mincing the garlic while the shrimp defrost. The moment everything is ready, the actual cooking takes less time than it takes to set the table.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Salt and black pepper to taste
PREPARATION
The first time I made this for my husband, I accidentally used twice the garlic—and it became our preferred version! Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking shrimp; they tell you when they’re ready by curling into a perfect C-shape and turning pink. That visual cue is your green light to proceed to the next step. If you’re looking for another comforting pasta dish with minimal cleanup, our Crockpot Pierogi Casserole offers that same satisfying comfort with even less hands-on time.
One-Pan Shrimp Scampi – Easy Clean-Up Dinner Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade One-Pan Shrimp Scampi – Easy Clean-Up Dinner Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink, then remove from pan.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return shrimp to pan, add red pepper flakes and parsley, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing until everything is beautifully combined and coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and parsley garnish.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 385
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 320mg
Choosing Your Shrimp
Over the years, I’ve tested every shrimp variety available at my local market. While fresh shrimp are fantastic, I actually keep frozen raw shrimp in my freezer at all times for impromptu meals. The freezing process doesn’t significantly impact flavor or texture when properly thawed. Look for shrimp labeled “previously frozen” if buying from the seafood counter—they’re often the same quality as frozen but priced higher.
Size matters more than you might think. I prefer 21-25 count shrimp (meaning 21-25 shrimp per pound) for this recipe—they’re substantial enough to feel luxurious but cook quickly. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as they tend to become rubbery when reheated in the sauce. If you’re watching your budget, medium shrimp work perfectly fine and might even distribute more evenly throughout the pasta.
Wine Selection Tips
My neighbor, who happens to be a sommelier, gave me the best advice about cooking wines: “If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.” Cheap “cooking wines” often contain added salt and preservatives that can throw off your flavor balance. Instead, choose a dry white wine you enjoy—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or unoaked Chardonnay all work beautifully.
What makes this special is how the wine reduces and concentrates, so its characteristics directly influence your sauce. A crisper wine will give you a brighter, more acidic sauce while a fruit-forward option creates a slightly sweeter background note. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, substitute with chicken or vegetable broth plus an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.
Adapting for Dietary Needs
When my friend discovered she had gluten sensitivity, I started experimenting with alternatives to traditional pasta. Brown rice linguine works surprisingly well—it holds the sauce beautifully and has a similar texture when cooked al dente. For dairy-free versions, I’ve had great results with plant-based butter alternatives, though the flavor profile shifts slightly toward the olive oil notes.
To make this dish lower in carbohydrates, spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash make excellent pasta substitutes. Just sauté them briefly in the pan before adding the sauce to warm through. For extra protein, I sometimes add a can of rinsed white beans during the final tossing step—they absorb the garlic butter sauce wonderfully. If you’re craving more handheld comfort food options, our Nebraska Runzas with their warm pastry pockets make a fantastic alternative for those cozy dinner nights.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this One-Pan Shrimp Scampi – Easy Clean-Up Dinner ahead of time?
While it’s best served immediately, you can prep components in advance. Have the shrimp cleaned and ingredients measured, then the actual cooking takes just 10 minutes when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have white wine?
Chicken or vegetable broth works beautifully with an extra squeeze of lemon juice. The acidity balance is what matters most in this recipe.
How do I prevent rubbery shrimp?
Avoid overcooking! Shrimp cook quickly—just 2 minutes per side until pink and curled. They’ll continue cooking slightly when returned to the hot sauce.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Shrimp Scampi – Easy Clean-Up Dinner has rescued countless weeknights in my home, and I hope it becomes your new favorite solution too. The combination of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and that luxurious butter sauce never fails to satisfy. Next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, remember this recipe—it’s faster than ordering takeout and so much more rewarding. I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!
