Dinner

One-Pot Shrimp Scampi

Name: One-Pot Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 cup chicken broth; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; salt to taste; freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; juice of 1 lemon; 8 ounces spaghetti uncooked

Jason Brooks May 17, 2026

Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Juicy shrimp bathed in garlicky butter sauce meld with al dente spaghetti, all cooked in one skillet for effortless weeknight dinners.

This One-Pot Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate weeknight dinner hack: juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky butter sauce that simmers with white wine and lemon, all tossed with al dente spaghetti in a single skillet. With bright parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss—perfect for busy evenings when you crave something special without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone.

Key Ingredients

Get ready to assemble the essentials that make this scampi sing:

1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined: Succulent seafood that cooks quickly and soaks up the garlicky butter sauce.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing the garlic and searing the shrimp.
4 cloves garlic minced: Delivers that signature garlicky punch essential to a scampi.

1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth while helping to deglaze the pan.
1 cup chicken broth: Builds a savory sauce and ensures the pasta cooks to al dente perfection.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and silkiness to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle kick of heat and flavor.

Salt to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a subtle spiciness and aroma.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.

Juice of 1 lemon: Provides zesty acidity to lift and balance the richness.
8 ounces spaghetti uncooked: The carbohydrate that perfectly absorbs the scampi sauce.

How To Make One-Pot Shrimp Scampi

These steps walk you through a seamless, one-skillet process—from building layers of flavor with garlic, wine, and butter to cooking the pasta right in the sauce. You’ll end up with tender shrimp, perfectly al dente spaghetti, and a luscious, garlicky sauce that clings to every strand.

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers.

2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot oil and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper; cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

4. Pour in white wine and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Stir in chicken broth, butter, and lemon juice, then bring the liquid to a gentle boil, ensuring the butter has fully melted.

6. Add uncooked spaghetti, pressing it down so it's mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

7. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and toss gently to combine and reheat the shrimp.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving ideas will elevate your One-Pot Shrimp Scampi:

Garnish with extra parsley for a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma.
Serve with crusty bread to mop up every delightful drop of the garlic butter sauce.
Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a balanced plate.

Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory richness.

Tips For Perfect One-Pot Shrimp Scampi

Mastering this dish is all about mindful tweaks and substitutions that suit your taste and pantry. Follow these friendly pointers to ensure your scampi turns out just right every time:

Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor.

Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
Swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine for a wider noodle that cradles more sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How To Store It

Proper storage keeps your One-Pot Shrimp Scampi tasting fresh and vibrant, even when enjoyed later. Follow these techniques to preserve texture and flavor:

Refrigerate in an airtight container: Cool the scampi to room temperature, then seal in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Separate pasta and shrimp (optional): Store noodles and shrimp in different containers to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.

Press cling film on the surface: Eliminate air exposure by gently covering the dish with plastic wrap before sealing the container.
Reheat gently: Warm over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce and keep shrimp tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a burning question? We’ve got you covered:

How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?

The total time is about 25 to 30 minutes. Prep (peeling and deveining shrimp, mincing garlic, measuring ingredients) takes about 5 minutes. Cooking involves sautéing garlic and shrimp, reducing wine, simmering the sauce, and cooking the spaghetti in the same pan, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Can I use frozen shrimp, and what should I do differently?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as they are fully thawed before cooking. Place frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until thawed. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture so they sear properly and don’t dilute the sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have dry white wine on hand?

If you prefer not to use wine or don’t have it available, substitute an equal amount of chicken broth plus an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar. This maintains the acidic brightness that wine adds while preserving the overall flavor of the sauce.

Can I substitute the spaghetti with another pasta type?

Absolutely. Linguine or fettuccine both work well and have a slightly wider surface that holds the sauce beautifully. Just ensure you choose a pasta that fits comfortably in your pan or cut longer strands in half if needed so they can submerge evenly during cooking.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

The red pepper flakes deliver the heat, so for a milder version, reduce or omit them. If you prefer extra kick, increase the flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve hot sauce on the side so each person can customize the heat level.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as rice, corn, or quinoa-based noodles. Cook time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions and monitor the pasta during the simmering step to achieve al dente texture.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan, warm gently over medium-low heat, and stir until the sauce loosens and the shrimp are heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

What Makes This Special

This One-Pot Shrimp Scampi shines because it marries irresistible garlic-butter richness with zesty lemon and white wine—all while cooking your pasta right in the sauce. The shrimp stay juicy, the noodles soak up every flavor note, and you only have one pan to wash! Feel free to print or save this article for a go-to weeknight winner, and don’t forget to drop a comment if you give it a try or have any questions. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe