If you are craving a dish that brilliantly marries the lusciousness of shrimp scampi with a fiery kick, this Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe will become your new favorite go-to meal. Bursting with a harmonious blend of garlicky butter, zesty lemon, and that irresistible crunch and heat from chili crisp, every bite is an adventure. It’s quick to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a delicious, comforting dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
- Large shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined; they’re the star of this dish and cook quickly to tender perfection.
- Linguine or spaghetti: The perfect pasta to soak up all the flavorful sauce and complement the shrimp’s texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky smooth base for the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
- Olive oil: Enriches the sauce and helps sauté the garlic to golden perfection.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to bring that unmistakable aromatic punch essential to shrimp scampi.
- Chili crisp: This fiery, crunchy condiment infuses the dish with delightful heat and texture, adjustable to your preferred spice level.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds depth and a slight tanginess, balancing the richness of butter and shrimp.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors with a lively, refreshing zest to keep the dish feeling light.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and harmonize all the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal lift and vibrant green color to finish the dish beautifully.
- Lemon zest: Offers an extra zing and a pretty garnish that elevates every forkful.
How to Make Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente — firm but tender. Reserving half a cup of pasta water is a little secret that helps you create a luscious sauce that clings to the noodles beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt butter together with olive oil over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic, letting it cook just about a minute until fragrant and golden. This step sets the foundation for every bite of your Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredient — Chili Crisp
Give your dish its signature bold kick by stirring in the chili crisp. Let it cook briefly to blend its deep, spicy flavors and crunchy bits into the aromatic butter and garlic mixture, creating a sauce you’ll want to savor even by itself.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Sauté the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink, curled, and perfectly opaque. This quick cooking ensures they stay juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Allow everything to simmer gently for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly — this creates a vibrant, tangy base that complements the richness of the dish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing it gently with the shrimp and sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce until it perfectly coats the noodles. Stir in fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color that makes the dish come alive.
How to Serve Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and a light dusting of lemon zest just before serving to enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor. A few extra spoonfuls of chili crisp on top can be added for friends who crave that extra spicy punch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the centerpiece with simple, complementary sides. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli create balance and keep the meal light. Don’t forget some crusty bread — it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe in shallow bowls to catch all the sauce, layering the shrimp on top for an elegant look. For a fun twist, plate it with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to add a subtle nutty crunch that echoes Asian flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind shrimp is best eaten fresh, so try to enjoy leftovers soon to maintain that succulent texture.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the pasta can lose texture upon thawing and shrimp may become rubbery. If you want to freeze, store shrimp and pasta separately, and freeze for up to 1 month to preserve as much quality as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid the microwave for shrimp, as it can toughen; stovetop reheating keeps your Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in this Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! The chili crisp’s heat can be dialed up or down depending on your preference. Start with less and add more as you go to find your perfect spicy balance.
What can I use if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. The broth still adds depth and helps create that flavorful sauce.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great as long as you thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking. This ensures a nice sear and avoids excess moisture that can dilute the sauce.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Feel free to swap linguine or spaghetti for other pasta shapes like fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.
How do I store leftover chili crisp condiment?
Keep unused chili crisp in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It stays good for several weeks and can be used to add flavor to all sorts of dishes beyond this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe is genuinely a game-changer — bursting with flavor, quick to make, and packed with just the right amount of heat and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or aiming to wow guests, this recipe delivers deliciously every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with it as much as I have!
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Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi is a vibrant, spicy twist on a classic seafood pasta dish. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic, butter, and chili crisp sauce, tossed with al dente linguine and fresh lemon zest, it offers a perfect balance of heat, zest, and rich flavors. Ideal for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this fusion-inspired recipe brings an Asian kick to an Italian favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Chili Crisp and Shrimp: Stir in the chili crisp and cook for 30 seconds to marry the flavors. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
- Simmer with Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water, as needed, to loosen the sauce and coat the noodles evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your preferred spice level.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with chicken broth.
- Serve with crusty bread to make the most of the flavorful sauce.
