Shrimp Scampi Without Wine is an easy 20-minute garlic butter pasta recipe that captures the rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors of traditional shrimp scampi but replaces the white wine with chicken broth, making it both family-friendly and alcohol-free.
If you love seafood pasta dishes, try our reader-favorite Easy Bay Scallop Pasta Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce. Love shrimp in general? Check out our 10 Must-Try Shrimp Recipes!
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Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky, buttery sauce, typically served over pasta. Traditionally made with white wine, this version uses chicken broth instead, preserving the delicious flavor while making it more family-friendly and accessible.
If you like this shrimp recipe, you may also love our Easy Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe or Spicy Tortellini Alfredo with Blackened Shrimp (Easy Recipe).
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Uses simple, wholesome ingredients without compromising on taste.
- Kid-Friendly: No alcohol, making it suitable for the whole family.
- Versatile: Can be served with a fresh salad or veggies. We love to pair it with this Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette or these Green Beans with Almonds.
Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ingredients
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for a tender and juicy result.
- Linguine or Spaghetti: Cooked according to package instructions, or use your favorite pasta.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the garlic without burning the butter.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a hint of spice.
- Chicken Broth or Pasta Water: A great substitute for white wine, adding depth to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a creamy richness if desired.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish and added freshness.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Broth: Substitute with pasta water, vegetable broth, or shrimp stock for a different flavor. (Of course, white wine could also be used if you have it on hand!)
- Linguine or Spaghetti: Use any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine.
- Butter: Swap with a non-dairy butter for a lactose-free version.
- Diet: Make it keto by serving over zoodles or cauliflower rice.
- Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or capers for more Mediterranean flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Without Wine
STEP ONE: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water—this will help create a silky sauce. Drain and set aside.
STEP TWO: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
STEP THREE: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
STEP FOUR: Combine & Finish
Return the shrimp to the skillet, then toss in the pasta, Parmesan (if using), parsley, and lemon zest. Melt in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, tossing everything over low heat until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Keep a close eye on the shrimp. They cook quickly and should be removed from the heat when they turn pink and opaque.
✔️ DO Use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and lemon juice enhance the dish's flavor significantly.
✔️ DO Reserve pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce's thickness and ensures it clings well to the pasta.
How Should I Store and Reheat this Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick.
Recipe FAQs
For shrimp scampi, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth, vegetable broth, shrimp stock, or pasta water. These options provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol. Additionally, you can use a splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity of white wine.
To prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery, cook them quickly over medium-high heat until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are done.
Yes, shrimp scampi can be made without pasta. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
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📖 Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Without Wine
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan optional
Garnish
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- ½ - 1 lemon (zest of) start with ½ and adjust
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, then add garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour in chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and sprinkle in Parmesan (if using), parsley, and lemon zest.
- Toss everything together over low heat, melting in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with extra parsley, lemon zest, or more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Reheat Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. Substitutions
- Chicken Broth: Substitute with pasta water, vegetable broth, or shrimp stock for a different flavor. (Of course, white wine could also be used if you have it on hand!)
- Linguine or Spaghetti: Use any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine.
- Butter: Swap with a non-dairy butter for a lactose-free version.
Jami Powell
Our family loves this shrimp pasta recipe!