This Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a seafood lover’s dream! Tender lobster and juicy shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
It’s fancy enough for a special dinner but easy enough for a fun weeknight meal. I love serving it over pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lobster Meat: Fresh lobster is the star here; you can often find pre-cooked lobster meat, which saves time. If you’re in a pinch, consider using imitation lobster or even crab for a different flavor and texture.
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for the best bite. I prefer shrimp with the shell on during cooking for more flavor, but peeled shrimp work just fine if you want convenience.
Pasta: Angel hair is super light and pairs well, but you can swap it for linguine, spaghetti, or even zoodles if you’d like a low-carb option. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Wine: A dry white wine adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have wine, a splash of additional lemon juice mixed with broth can add brightness. Just keep it light!
How Do I Get My Sauce to Be Smooth and Rich?
The key to a winning sauce lies in a few techniques. First, sauté the garlic gently so it doesn’t burn, which can make it bitter. Next, reduce the wine and lemon juice to concentrate the flavors before adding butter. This step creates that silky texture.
- Start by heating your butter and oil before adding garlic—that prevents burning.
- Once you add wine and lemon, let it simmer down for a few minutes. This makes the sauce richer.
- Finally, add cold butter at the end. Stir until melted for a creamy finish.
Use these tips to create that luscious, garlicky sauce that bathes your seafood and pasta perfectly!
How to Make Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Seafood:
- 8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off based on preference)
Pasta:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta or linguine
Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lobster Shrimp Scampi takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking your pasta and preparing the sauce, and another 10 minutes to bring everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a delightful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it, and set it aside for later.
2. Preparing the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Let them heat together until the butter melts.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to let it brown, as that can make it taste bitter.
4. Cooking the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Adding the Wine and Lemon:
In the same skillet, pour in the dry white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so it reduces and concentrates the flavors.
6. Making it Rich:
Turn the heat down a bit and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
7. Combining the Seafood:
Return the cooked lobster meat and shrimp back to the skillet. Gently toss them in the sauce, heating everything for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
8. Mixing in the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce.
9. Seasoning the Dish:
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a pop of freshness.
10. Serving:
Serve your Lobster Shrimp Scampi immediately, garnished with more parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy this rich and garlicky dish!
Dig in and savor the flavors of the ocean—it’s a delightful treat!
Can I Use Frozen Seafood for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and lobster! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes or leave them in the fridge overnight.
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with a mix of chicken or seafood broth and a splash of lemon juice. This will still give you a nice flavor without the alcohol!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the lobster and shrimp separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make the sauce and pasta just before serving to keep everything nice and tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.
