I like making tomato shrimp scampi when I want something light, flavorful, and quick but still satisfying. The juicy shrimp, garlicky sauce, and burst of fresh tomato flavor make this dish feel fresh and comforting at the same time. It’s one I often turn to when I want an easy dinner that still feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it comes together fast and uses simple ingredients with bold flavor. I enjoy how the tomatoes balance the richness of the butter and olive oil, while the shrimp stay tender and juicy. It also works beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, which makes it very versatile for me.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
large shrimp, peeled and deveined
olive oil
butter
garlic
cherry tomatoes, halved
red pepper flakes
white wine or chicken broth
lemon juice
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley
Directions
I start by seasoning the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium heat, then sauté the garlic until fragrant. I add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them briefly on both sides until just pink, then remove them from the pan. In the same skillet, I add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. I pour in the white wine or broth and let it simmer for a few minutes. I return the shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice, and toss everything together until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce. I finish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe. Prep time takes around 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes. The total time comes to roughly 25 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables. When I want a heartier meal, I serve it over pasta or gnocchi. I also like adding capers or olives for a briny twist. If I want extra richness, I finish the sauce with a little more butter.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
I use frozen shrimp often, as long as I thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
What kind of tomatoes work best?
I like cherry or grape tomatoes because they’re sweet and break down nicely.
Can I make this without wine?
I often use chicken broth instead of wine, and it still tastes great.
Is shrimp scampi spicy?
I find it mildly spicy, but I adjust the red pepper flakes to my taste.
What should I serve with tomato shrimp scampi?
I enjoy serving it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Conclusion
I find tomato shrimp scampi to be a fresh, flavorful dish that’s perfect for quick dinners or relaxed meals. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and shrimp makes it a recipe I enjoy making whenever I want something simple, elegant, and delicious.
Tomato Shrimp Scampi
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A light and flavorful shrimp scampi made with juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the lemon juice.
- Toss everything together and cook briefly until the shrimp are fully coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Chicken broth can replace wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Add spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
