A bold, buttery twist on classic scampi with smoky Cajun seasoning, garlic, lemon, and juicy shrimp. This dish comes together quickly and works with pasta, rice, or low-carb sides.
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Scampi Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Optional Additions
- ½ cup heavy cream (for creamy Cajun scampi)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Cherry tomatoes
For Serving
Choose one:
- Linguine or spaghetti
- Garlic butter rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Crusty bread
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
Toss with:
- olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- paprika
- cayenne
- salt & pepper
Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a little oil.
Cook shrimp:
- 1½–2 minutes per side
- until pink and lightly charred
Do not overcook.
Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Add:
- butter
- olive oil
- garlic
Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in:
- broth
- wine (if using)
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- chili flakes
Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return shrimp to skillet.
Toss in sauce for 1 minute.
Add parsley.
Optional Creamy Version
Stir in:
- heavy cream
- parmesan
Simmer until slightly thickened.
Serving Ideas
Classic
Serve over buttery linguine.
Low-Carb
Serve with:
- zucchini noodles
- cauliflower mash
- roasted vegetables
Rice Bowl
Serve over Cajun rice with avocado and corn.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional)
Mix:
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- salt & pepper
Tips for Best Flavor
- Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking for a better sear.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon juice.
- Cast iron skillets create the best char.
- Don’t crowd the pan.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in skillet with splash of broth or butter.
Avoid overheating shrimp.
Variations
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi
Add cream and parmesan.
Extra Spicy
Increase cayenne and chili flakes.
Garlic Butter Version
Double butter and garlic for richer flavor.
Chicken & Shrimp Combo
Add sliced Cajun chicken breast.
