Shrimp scampi is a beloved dish that combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. While the classic version is a crowd-pleaser, there are endless ways to elevate and customize this dish to suit different tastes. Here are seven irresistible shrimp scampi variations that will make your taste buds dance.
Classic Shrimp Scampi
The timeless combination of succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, white wine, lemon juice, and parsley is the foundation of classic shrimp scampi. This dish is rich and flavorful, with the perfect balance of zesty citrus and savory garlic. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal that never goes out of style.
Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi
For a fresh and aromatic twist on the classic, lemon herb shrimp scampi incorporates fresh thyme, oregano, and basil. These herbs infuse the dish with a fragrant complexity that enhances the garlic butter sauce. The result is a bright and zesty scampi variation that brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making it a delightful choice for herb lovers.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi
If you’re craving a bit of heat, spicy shrimp scampi is the way to go. Adding red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the garlic butter sauce gives the dish a tantalizing kick that satisfies spicy cravings. The fiery heat pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and the succulence of the shrimp, creating a bold and flavorful dish that’s sure to excite your taste buds.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in decadence with creamy shrimp scampi, which adds heavy cream or half-and-half to the traditional garlic butter mixture. This transforms the sauce into a rich and velvety creation that coats the shrimp in luxurious creaminess. The creamy texture takes shrimp scampi to new heights of indulgence, making it an irresistible option for those who love rich, comforting dishes.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi
For cheese lovers, garlic Parmesan shrimp scampi is the ultimate treat. By tossing the shrimp in garlic butter and grated Parmesan cheese, this variation adds a layer of cheesy richness to the dish. The Parmesan melds beautifully with the garlic and butter, creating a luscious and savory flavor that elevates the classic scampi to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Tomato Basil Shrimp Scampi
Incorporate the vibrant flavors of summer with tomato basil shrimp scampi. Diced tomatoes and fresh basil bring a burst of freshness and herbaceous notes to the dish, balancing the richness of the garlic butter sauce. This variation adds a pop of color and a light, summery twist to the classic, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy bright and refreshing flavors.
Pesto Shrimp Scampi
For bold and earthy flavors, pesto shrimp scampi is a fantastic option. Stirring basil pesto into the garlic butter sauce adds layers of basil, pine nut, and Parmesan goodness that beautifully complement the shrimp. The pesto adds a rich, nutty complexity to the dish, making this variation a flavorful and satisfying choice for those who love the robust taste of pesto.
