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shrimp scampi recipe without wine served over pasta with lemon

Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine

A rich, garlicky shrimp scampi made without wine — ready in 20 minutes using lemon and broth instead.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp (450g), peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp butter divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4–5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/3 cup chicken or seafood broth low-sodium
  • 1 lemon juiced (about 3 tbsp)
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti optional, if serving over pasta

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Pot for boiling pasta (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta. If serving over noodles, boil the linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the shrimp. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque (internal temp 145°F), then move them to a plate.
  4. Build the base. Lower the heat to medium, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze without wine. Pour in the broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Finish the sauce. Turn off the heat and swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until glossy.
  7. Combine and serve. Return the shrimp (and pasta) to the pan, add lemon zest and parsley, and toss. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.

Notes

  • No wine? Swap it 1:1 with broth, or use 2 tbsp lemon juice + broth for a closer match to wine's role.
  • Pull the shrimp out of the pan early — they finish cooking when added back at the end, so they won't turn rubbery.