Cast Iron Shrimp Scampi

Name: Cast Iron Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined); Preferred Garlic and Herb seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup white cooking wine; 1 stick kerry gold garlic herb butter; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Last Updated on March 24, 2026

5 Comments

June 25, 2024

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

If you’re looking for a quick, restaurant-quality dinner that feels special but comes together in under 30 minutes, this Cast Iron Shrimp Scampi is it.

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Anything that’s garlicky and buttery is next-level delicious – it’s a flavor combo that works every time. This Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe is packed with that bold garlic-butter flavor and it’s so beyond easy to make, it comes together in no time. This dish is simple, yet elegant and impressive, so it’s ideal for weeknight dinner or entertaining.

Tender shrimp gets pan-seared then bathed in a rich buttery, lemon-garlic, white wine sauce for a quick and savory meal. It’s the ideal light dinner or appetizer, and it’s perfect served over pasta, rice or with crusty, grilled bread. This Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a winner in my books, and it’s bound to be one in yours too.

If you like all of the lemon-garlic flavors packed into this recipe, try these other flavor-packed dishes. We love this Shrimp Scampi Tortellini Bake and this easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Pepper Tortellini, too.

“I made this tonight but substituted chicken broth for the white wine. I served it over noodles and it was 100% delicious!! Thank you for the easy, yet tasty recipe!”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 Minutes: With just a few ingredients and a super simple process, this dish comes together fast. Dinner is served in under 20 minutes.
Bright and Fresh: Made with tangy, acidic lemon juice and zest, this shrimp has an extra kick of brightness and fresh flavor.
One Skillet Wonder: This shrimp scampi is cooked in just one skillet, making clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Shrimp: Use jumbo shrimp for their generous size and tender texture.
Garlic and Herb Seasoning: For an extra kick of super zesty flavor.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for searing.
White Cooking Wine: Choose a dry, bright, acidic wine for that signature savory scampi sauce.
Garlic Herb Butter: Rich and flavorful to build the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, use freshly grated cheese to finish the dish.

How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampie

1. Get grill or oven preheated to 400 degrees.

2. Wipe moisture off shrimp with a paper towel and season with desired seasoning.

3. Place evenly in 12″ cast iron skillet.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then add white cooking wine.

5. Place pats of butter evenly in pan.

6. Add grated parm to top.

7. Place in oven or on grill for around 12-15 min until shrimp are opaque.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook very fast, so don’t walk away from the pan! Perfectly cooked shrimp are tender with a slight bite. So avoid overcooking them to prevent chewy, rubbery shrimp.
Use large or jumbo shrimp: These are nice in size, give you the best texture, and perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
Dry the shrimp thoroughly: Pat them with a paper towel before cooking so they sear nicely instead of steaming. You want that golden brown flavor!
If skipping wine, use broth: If you’d like to skip the wine all together, no problem. Simply use all broth plus a splash of extra lemon juice for a similar, bright flavor to build the sauce.
Toss cooked pasta directly in skillet: Once you add the pasta, toss right in the pan to evenly coat with the luscious sauce. No need to remove it or dirty up an additional dish.
Other ingredients to add: Add fresh basil for a twist, Toss in cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness, Add spinach during the last minute of cooking

What To Serve With Shrimp Scampi

Angel Hair Pasta
Simple Green Salad
Roasted Vegetables
Bacon Jam Green Beans
Crusty Bread
Easy Cheesy Bread

Storage

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until everything is warmed through.

We don’t recommend freezing these leftovers, as freezing and thawing can change the texture of the shrimp and pasta.

Variations

Make it a Meal: Add cooked pasta directly to the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in to turn this into a complete one-pan meal.
Finish with Cheese: Freshly grate Parmesan over top the scampi for a delicious finishing touch.
Add Fresh Herbs: Add in torn or finely chopped fresh basil for a fresh, herbal twist.
Toss in Cherry Tomatoes: Add these for a burst of sweetness and a pop of color.
Add Spinach: Wilt in a large handful of fresh spinach leaves during the last minute of cooking to up the health factor and add some color.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp? Definitely. These are a great staple to have on hand. Just be sure to fully thaw them under cool running water, then pat them dry completely before cooking to prevent steaming.

What’s the best wine for shrimp scampi? We recommend using a dry, acidic, bright white wine. This flavor profile will build that signature savory sauce.

Can I make this without wine? Absolutely. If you’re skipping the alcohol all together, simply use all broth plus a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice to build the sauce instead.

How do I know when shrimp are done? You’ll know when they’re finished and ready to serve once they’ve turned pink and have just become opaque. They should be tender and still have a bite, but shouldn’t be overly chewy or rubbery (this means they’re overcooked!)

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? We wouldn’t recommend it, as continuing to sear and cook them might overcook them. If you’re in a pinch and it’s your only option, build the sauce in the pan first, then add in the pre-cooked shrimp to evenly coat in the sauce. They won’t have the same texture or flavor, but will still be tasty.

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