Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes is one of my favorite quick dinners because it’s bold, easy, and full of flavor. It has everything I love about shrimp scampi: buttery garlic, bright lemon, and tender shrimp with a gentle kick from chili flakes. Instead of wine, I use shrimp broth to create a rich, comforting sauce that feels right at home for family dinners.
This recipe started on a busy night when I wanted to make something everyone would love. It comes together in one pan, tastes like a restaurant meal, and keeps cleanup simple. If you enjoy my simple shrimp pasta dinner, you will love this spicy version. Or, for a lighter choice, try my healthy lemon shrimp zoodles. Both bring big flavor that makes any night special.
Table of Contents
Why This Spicy Shrimp Scampi Recipe Works So Well
Every great dish starts with balance, and this Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes gets it just right. The buttery garlic base comforts you, while the chili flakes add a bold, exciting twist.
Chili Flake Infusion Adds Gentle Heat
When you cook chili flakes slowly in olive oil, they release their natural heat and color into the sauce. It turns the oil golden and gives every bite a gentle kick instead of a harsh burn. The trick is timing. Add the chili flakes right after the garlic turns light golden, not before. This small step changes everything. The result is a balanced flavor that feels warm, not overpowering.
If you want something creamy instead of spicy, you can try my creamy seafood pasta twist, which uses a similar base but smooths it out with cream. Both dishes prove that big flavor does not need complicated steps.
Simple Brining Keeps Shrimp Tender and Juicy
Perfect shrimp should be juicy, not chewy. The secret is baking soda and salt. A quick 15-minute brine keeps the shrimp plump and prevents overcooking. When you cook shrimp over medium-high heat for just two minutes per side, you get that light caramel edge without losing tenderness.
Once they are cooked, take them out of the pan immediately. Shrimp continue cooking even off the heat. This simple timing makes a big difference between rubbery and perfect. If you prefer an easy meal that still looks impressive, try this quick one-pan linguine meal.
This combination of infused heat, buttery garlic, and tender shrimp is what makes this scampi recipe one of my family’s top requests every week.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- large skillet
- wooden spoon
- whisk
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup shrimp broth (or vegetable broth)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt and baking soda. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes to keep shrimp tender.
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the shrimp in one layer. Cook for 2 minutes, flip, and cook another minute until pink. Remove and repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Stir until garlic is golden and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in shrimp broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Whisk in butter until the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, then return shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to coat with the sauce.
- Add chopped herbs and optional diced tomatoes if using. Stir for another minute, then remove from heat.
- Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Notes
- Use shrimp broth instead of wine to keep this dish rich, flavorful, and completely alcohol-free.
- Adjust the chili flakes based on your spice level. Start with ½ teaspoon for mild heat and add more if you love it fiery.
- Always brine the shrimp with salt and baking soda for 10 minutes before cooking. It keeps them juicy and tender.
- For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley, basil, or tarragon right before serving.
- Add ¼ cup diced tomatoes if you want a saucier version with a hint of sweetness.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a full, balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
| Cholesterol | 145 mg |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Love bold flavors? Head over to my complete shrimp scampi recipe collection for zesty and mild versions that suit every craving.
Ingredients for the Best Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes
Every ingredient in this Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes has a purpose. The best part is you probably have most of them at home already. This recipe is quick, simple, and completely alcohol-free, which means anyone can enjoy it any night of the week.
Core Ingredients and Their Role in Flavor
- Large shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp. They cook fast and soak up flavor beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that signature scampi aroma. Avoid jarred versions.
- Chili flakes: The heart of the dish. Add more for heat or less for a mild kick.
- Olive oil and butter: They create a smooth, rich sauce that clings to the shrimp.
- Lemon juice and zest: Adds brightness that balances the butter and spice.
- Shrimp broth: builds deep flavor naturally.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, basil, or tarragon bring freshness to every bite.
The secret is in how these ingredients work together. Garlic brings comfort, chili adds spark, and broth ties everything into a cozy, restaurant-style sauce.
Smart Substitutions and Add-Ons for Every Taste
- No shrimp broth? Use vegetable broth or a mix of warm water and bouillon.
- Add ¼ cup diced tomatoes for a spiced version that highlights the keyword spicy shrimp scampi with chili flakes and tomato.
- For a healthier choice, reduce butter slightly and toss with zucchini noodles, similar to my healthy lemon shrimp version.
- If you love hearty meals, serve the shrimp over rice just like my garlic butter shrimp over rice.
These simple swaps and additions make it easy to personalize the recipe. Whether you want it light or rich, spicy or mild, this shrimp scampi always delivers big, satisfying flavor.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes (Step-by-Step Guide)
Cooking Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes is simple, fast, and perfect for a busy night. Everything happens in one pan, so you can focus on flavor instead of dishes. This method brings out the heat from chili flakes and the sweetness of shrimp without needing any alcohol.
Preparing Shrimp for Perfect Texture
The first secret to tender shrimp is a quick brine. It sounds fancy, but it takes only a few minutes.
- Toss the shrimp with baking soda and salt. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pat them dry before cooking. This helps you get that golden edge without steaming.
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil.
- Add half the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for about two minutes, flip, then cook another minute.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest.
- The shrimp should look slightly caramelized and pink all over.
This simple step keeps them juicy and prevents that rubbery texture. If you want a quick meal with the same tender result, check out my quick one-pan linguine meal.
Building the Sauce and Finishing the Dish
Now it’s time for that rich, spicy sauce that makes this dish special.
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add olive oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes.
- Stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic turns golden and fragrant.
- Pour in shrimp broth instead of wine. Let it bubble for two to three minutes to thicken slightly.
- Whisk in butter to create a creamy, silky sauce.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in lemon zest.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss until coated.
- Finish with chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color.
For a hearty variation, you can add ¼ cup of diced tomatoes for mild acidity. It gives the dish a subtle twist similar to my veggie-packed shrimp mix.
Pro Tip for Home Cooks
If you plan to serve this with pasta, save a small cup of pasta water. A splash added to the sauce helps it cling beautifully to noodles. For rice lovers, a spoonful of extra broth will keep the grains soft and flavorful.
This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With chili flakes, garlic, butter, and shrimp broth, you get a dinner that’s fast, satisfying, and packed with personality.
Serving, Storage, and Flavor Variations
Once your Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes is ready, the hard part is waiting to serve it. The sauce glistens with butter, garlic, and chili, and the shrimp are tender and perfectly coated. This dish works beautifully for any night, whether it’s a quick dinner or something special to share.
Serving Ideas for Rice, Pasta, or Vegetables
This shrimp scampi pairs well with almost anything you love.
- Over pasta: Toss with linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. The sauce clings perfectly to long noodles.
- Over rice: Pour it over warm jasmine or basmati rice for a cozy, comforting meal.
- With vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, spinach, or zucchini noodles for a lighter touch.
- With bread: Garlic bread or crusty sourdough helps soak up every drop of that buttery chili sauce.
If you love creamy seafood dishes, try the creamy seafood pasta twist. It has the same base flavors but adds cream for a richer meal.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi
Leftovers rarely last long, but if they do, here’s how to keep them fresh.
- Store shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
- Reheat slowly in a skillet with a splash of shrimp broth or water to bring the sauce back together.
- Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make shrimp tough.
If you prefer baked seafood dinners, you can also check out my oven-baked shrimp recipe. It’s great for meal prep or a quick oven-to-table dinner.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper heat.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes for a spiced, saucier version.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs or parmesan before serving for extra richness.
Each version brings a new personality to the same beloved scampi flavor. Whether over pasta, rice, or vegetables, it’s a meal that feels like comfort every single time.
Common Questions About Spicy Shrimp Scampi
What’s the secret to a flavorful scampi?
The secret is in the base. Let garlic and chili flakes sizzle slowly in olive oil before adding butter and shrimp broth. This infuses the sauce with deep flavor and gentle spice that coats every shrimp beautifully.
What spices are good in shrimp scampi?
Garlic, crushed chili flakes, and a hint of black pepper are musts. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for extra warmth.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp scampi?
Two big ones: burning the garlic and overcooking the shrimp. Keep the heat medium when you add garlic, and pull shrimp from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
What’s the secret to tender shrimp scampi?
A light brine of salt and baking soda makes shrimp plump and juicy. It takes just 10 minutes and keeps them soft even after cooking.
What can I use instead of wine in shrimp scampi?
Shrimp broth is the best substitute. It adds rich seafood flavor without the sharpness of wine. If you need a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works too.
What pairs best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine, jasmine rice, or zucchini noodles are all great choices. Serve it with a crisp salad or my buttery garlic shrimp dish for a perfect seafood dinner night.
This Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes is more than just a quick dinner. It’s comfort food that delivers every time. The combination of chili heat, garlic, and buttery broth makes every bite rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy but takes less than 30 minutes to make.
What I love most is that it’s flexible. You can serve it with pasta for a family meal, over rice for a cozy bowl, or with zucchini noodles for something lighter. It’s always a hit.
Cooking at home should feel easy and rewarding. With this recipe, it truly is. The flavors are bold, the prep is simple, and the cleanup is quick. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this spicy shrimp scampi will make everyone at your table smile and reach for seconds.