If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the irresistible flavors of shrimp scampi but prefer to skip the alcohol, you’re in for a treat with this Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe. It’s a bright, garlicky, buttery dish that brings all the classic taste you love by swapping out wine for a rich homemade chicken stock base. This version is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend indulgence that feels fancy enough for guests. You’ll fall in love with how the shrimp soak up the zesty lemon and hints of spice without a drop of wine in sight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet crucial, providing a perfect balance of buttery richness, tangy brightness, and just the right amount of heat. Each one plays a subtle but important role in building the deep flavor and silky texture that make this Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe stand out.
- ½ lb jumbo shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled or with shells on—shrimp are the star of the dish, tender and juicy.
- ½ cup boiling water: Used to dissolve the chicken stock cube, replacing the wine with a flavorful stock base.
- ¼ chicken stock cube: Adds a deep savory flavor to the sauce, enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Delivers that luscious, creamy richness essential to classic scampi’s mouthfeel.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Balances the butter and helps gently cook the garlic without burning.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic is the heart of any scampi and imparts a bold, aromatic punch.
- ½ tsp fine table salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the dish perfectly.
- ¼ tsp paprika powder: A hint of earthiness and subtle warmth without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes: Adds just enough spice for that classic scampi bite; adjust to taste.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Provides a gentle peppery heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice: The secret to brightening and balancing the richness.
- ¼ cup chopped parsley: Freshness and a pop of color that finishes the dish beautifully.
- 2 slices bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of luscious sauce.
- 2 servings cooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair): A classic base pairing that carries all those flavors.
- ¼ cup pasta cooking water: Helps marry the sauce and pasta together with silky binding starches.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Stock Base
Start by dissolving the chicken stock cube into the boiling water and set it aside. This fully replaces the wine’s depth with a rich, full-bodied broth that infuses the shrimp with savory flavor, making every bite as indulgent as traditional scampi.
Step 2: Melt Butter with Olive Oil
In a skillet over medium heat, combine butter and olive oil. This combo not only provides a smooth, buttery texture but also prevents the butter from browning too quickly, ensuring a balanced flavor foundation for the garlic to shine.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about one minute. Watch carefully so the garlic softens and releases its aroma without browning, which could add bitterness instead of that vibrant, fragrant punch.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock mixture, then sprinkle in the salt, paprika, red chili flakes, and black pepper. Let this simmer quietly for two minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a flavorful, silky sauce that’s anything but boring.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about two minutes until the tails turn pink. Flip them carefully and cook for another minute on the other side. The shrimp should be perfectly tender, juicy, and fully coated in that flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This step brightens the dish instantly, bringing a fresh burst to balance the buttery, garlicky sauce—making your Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Toss with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet, tossing gently to combine and coat the noodles in the luscious sauce. This ensures every strand is deliciously infused with flavor.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Plate the pasta and shrimp mixture right away, pairing it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Serving hot maximizes the flavors and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley not only adds gorgeous color but also a fresh herbal note that complements the tangy lemon perfectly. You can also grate a bit of lemon zest over the top for a fragrant twist.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also make wonderful accompaniments to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp scampi in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Or turn it into a pasta bake by tossing the mixture with parmesan and baking until bubbly and golden on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors develop even more after sitting, though shrimp can become slightly firmer, so handle gently when reheating.
Freezing
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separate from the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Use within one month for best quality and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at a low power setting to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the sauce silky and prevents the shrimp from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other seafood instead of shrimp in this recipe?
Absolutely! Scallops, lobster tails, or firm white fish can be great alternatives—just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Why is chicken stock used instead of wine in this Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe?
The chicken stock adds savory depth and moisture without the acidity and alcohol of wine. It keeps the dish accessible for those avoiding alcohol while maintaining rich flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and replace the bread with gluten-free crackers or omit it entirely. Just double-check the stock cube ingredients for hidden gluten.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The red chili flakes add a gentle warmth that you can control—feel free to add more for heat or reduce them for a milder profile that suits your palate.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?
Using both provides a beautiful balance: butter adds richness and silkiness, while olive oil raises the smoke point, preventing the butter from burning and giving the garlic a gentle cook.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite because it brings all the luscious, zesty flavors of traditional scampi in a flexible, user-friendly way. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels and perfect for any occasion when you want something simple yet special. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a whirl and make it your own—it’s comfort and elegance on a plate, every time.
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Shrimp Scampi Without Wine Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and flavorful Shrimp Scampi recipe without wine, using a savory homemade chicken stock base. This dish combines juicy jumbo shrimp sautéed in butter, olive oil, garlic, and spices, finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfectly served over cooked pasta with a splash of pasta water for extra flavor, and accompanied by toasted bread slices.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- ½ lb jumbo shrimp (shells and tails on or off, adjust cooking time accordingly)
- ½ cup boiling water (or homemade chicken stock to skip the stock cube)
- ¼ chicken stock cube
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp fine table salt
- ¼ tsp paprika powder
- ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
To Serve
- 2 slices bread
- 2 servings cooked spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair pasta
- ¼ cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Prepare the Stock: Dissolve the chicken stock cube in the boiling water and set aside to infuse flavors while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil to create a rich base for the scampi sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, carefully avoiding browning. Adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning and maintain garlic’s delicate flavor.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the prepared chicken stock along with salt, paprika powder, red chili flakes, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until the tails turn pink. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1 minute until the other side is also pink and shrimp are cooked through.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and freshen the flavors. Mix well to combine thoroughly.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and pasta cooking water to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful scampi sauce.
- Prepare Bread: Toast or warm the slices of bread to serve alongside the dish, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- If using shrimp with shells on, cooking time may increase slightly.
- Using homemade chicken stock enhances flavor, but chicken stock cubes work well.
- Pasta cooking water helps to loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
