Easy Copycat Ina Garten Shrimp Scampi Recipe You’ll Love

You’re going to love this copycat Ina Garten shrimp scampi recipe. It’s bright, buttery, garlicky, and packed with fresh lemon flavor just like the original! This dish has become a go-to in our home for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers.

My kids love the tender shrimp and twirlable noodles, and I love how quick and easy it is to pull together. If you’ve ever watched Ina whip this up on TV and thought, “I wish I could make that,” you totally can. This version tastes just like hers, and it’s perfect for beginners or seasoned home cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood and Pasta Dish

This copycat Ina Garten shrimp scampi recipe is packed with flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests but simple enough for a busy weeknight. The garlic, lemon, and butter combo is a classic that pleases picky eaters and foodies alike. Plus, it’s an easy way to bring the charm of barefoot contessa cooking into your own kitchen.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s a look at what makes this shrimp scampi so flavorful with just a few easy-to-find ingredients.

Shrimp
Look for large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined quick-cooking and the star of the show.

Garlic
Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that classic scampi flavor don’t skimp here!

Lemon
Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and balance the richness of the butter.

Unsalted Butter
Adds that luxurious texture and helps carry the garlic and lemon flavor.

Olive Oil
A splash of good-quality olive oil helps sauté the garlic and gives a bit of fruity depth.

Red Pepper Flakes
Optional, but just a pinch gives a gentle warmth and complexity to the dish.

White Wine
Dry white wine like sauvignon blanc deglazes the pan and deepens the flavor.

Parsley
Fresh chopped parsley brings color and a burst of herbaceous freshness.

Linguine or Angel Hair Pasta
A classic match for shrimp scampi, though any long pasta works well.

Servings, Prep and Cook Time

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Add white wine and lemon juice to the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in lemon zest, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and the cooked shrimp. Simmer 1 minute to heat through.
6. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Stir in parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Plate the shrimp scampi and serve with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.

Top Tips

• Use high-quality shrimp, preferably fresh or wild-caught, for best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp they turn rubbery fast!
• Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking it moves quickly.
• Add a little extra butter or pasta water if the sauce seems dry.
• To make it more kid-friendly, skip the red pepper flakes.

Recipe Variations

• Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option.
• Swap the white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Add halved cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Toss in some grated parmesan if your family loves cheese.

Recommended Equipment

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs
• Microplane or zester
• Citrus juicer
• Garlic press
• Measuring cups and spoons

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep the shrimp, garlic, and parsley a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This makes the actual cooking lightning fast.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or butter to keep the sauce smooth avoid microwaving if possible, as it can overcook the shrimp.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Crusty bread or garlic bread
• A light green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• A glass of chilled white wine for the adults

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Is this really like Ina Garten’s original shrimp scampi?
Yes! This version closely mirrors her classic recipe simple ingredients, bold garlic-lemon flavor, and that luxurious buttery finish. It’s all about recreating that signature barefoot contessa vibe at home.

Can I make this recipe without wine?
Definitely. You can substitute chicken broth for the wine. While wine adds depth, broth still gives you a rich, savory base without alcohol.

What kind of shrimp works best?
Large or extra-large shrimp (like 21/25 count per pound) are ideal. Fresh or frozen and thawed both work well just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.

Can I use a different pasta?
Linguine is the classic choice, but angel hair, spaghetti, or even fettuccine work great. For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles.

How spicy is this?
Just a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a mild kick. You can leave it out entirely for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

Does this reheat well?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be gently reheated on the stove with a splash of broth or butter. Microwaving can overcook the shrimp, so stovetop is best.

What’s the secret to great flavor?
Using fresh lemon juice and zest, quality butter, and sautéing the garlic just until golden not brown makes all the difference. Timing matters!

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based version and double the olive oil. You’ll still get richness without the dairy.

Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Just skip the pepper flakes, and you’ve got a buttery pasta dish most kids will gobble up.

What should I serve with it?
This shrimp scampi shines with a side of crusty bread, a light salad, steamed veggies or our grilled vegetable platter. You can even add a glass of white wine to match Ina’s entertaining style!

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!