• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kudos Kitchen by Renee

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Meal Planning Bundle
  • Appetizer/Snack Collection
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Meal Planning Bundle
    • Appetizer/Snack Collection
    • Recipe Index
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Fish and Seafood Recipes

    Published: Jan 20, 2013 · Modified: Apr 28, 2026 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 29 Comments

    Skinny Shrimp Scampi

    Don't skimp on the shrimp scampi! This recipe for Skinny Shrimp Scampi has all the big, garlic butter taste you love, but with fewer calories. Don't believe me? Give this a try!

    A closeup photo of Skinny Shrimp Scampi on a plate with brown rice and chopped parsley.

    *Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2013. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

    Remember the version of Shrimp Scampi that's dripping in a butter wine sauce and loaded with the heady aroma and taste of tons of garlic?

    Then it's heaped over a big plate of cooked linguine that is literally floating in that butter wine sauce?

    Sounds good, right?

    You know it does! 😉


    What if I told you that you can have all those same big, bold flavors but without all those dripping-with-butter calories?

    Save this for later.

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

    Email forwarding service for saving information.

    Well, you CAN and I'm here to share my recipe for this lightened-up version of Shrimp Scampi that doesn't skimp on any of the flavors you've come to expect!

     

    SKINNY SHRIMP SCAMPI     

    2 medium shallots, minced
    1 tablespoon canola oil
    2-3 heaping tablespoons garlic, minced
    2 tablespoons butter
    salt and pepper to taste
    ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
    1 ¼ pounds raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
    1 tablespoon lemon zest (1 lemon, before juicing)
    3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 lemon)
    2 tablespoons fresh, chopped parsley
    2 cups instant brown rice (cooked as package directs)

    -In a large skillet over medium heat, sweat the shallots and garlic in the canola oil for approximately 3-4 minutes.
    -Add the butter and the red pepper flakes to the pan and continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring occasionally.
    -Add in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Continue to stir and coat the shrimp with the shallot and garlic oil. Cook the shrimp over medium heat until they have turned an opaque pink color and have just curled up in size (approximately 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they will be rubbery in texture.
    -Turn down the heat to low and add the lemon zest and juice to the pan. Stir to combine.
    -Serve shrimp and sauce over the brown rice and sprinkle with the fresh, chopped parsley.

    And this is how the ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan!

    This recipe was so flavorful and delicious that my taste buds were doing a happy dance in my mouth!

    Plus from stovetop to table, it took only about 15 minutes (not including the peeling and deveining of the shrimp), so it's perfect for an evening that you really want to impress (even if it is your own family! 🙂

    Skinny Shrimp Scampi on a colorful plate with parsley and brown rice.

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

    More Fish and Seafood Recipes

    • A colorful crab and pea salad topped with fresh dill in a white bowl.
      Chilled Crab and Pea Seafood Salad
    • Four seared mahi mahi filets on a platter with colorful fruit and vegetable salsa.
      Seared Mahi Mahi with Nectarine Avocado Salsa
    • A colorful serving of Linguine with Caramelized Scallops along with broccoli and tomatoes.
      Caramelized Scallops with Broccoli, Tomatoes, and Linguine
    • Avocado Shrimp Sushi Rolls on a white plate with chopsticks and rice.
      Shrimp and Avocado Sushi Rolls

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Please tell me what you think... Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      By submitting this comment you agree to share your name, email address, website and IP address with Kudos Kitchen by Renee. This information will not be used for any purpose other than enabling you to post a comment. *

    1. jual kacamata says

      September 07, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      i like this good article very much

      Reply
    2. Haytem says

      June 08, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      I love reading this, it makes me feel happy I don't know why :p Anyway, thanks for sharing! Millionaires Society Review

      Reply
    3. Faye says

      May 21, 2013 at 3:52 pm

      I love how rice is included with this scampi recipe.

      Reply
    4. Amanda says

      January 27, 2013 at 11:55 pm

      I always get shrimp scampi when we go to Red Lobster but it's loaded in butter. This looks more delicious and way easier on the waistline!

      Reply
    5. seetfei says

      January 24, 2013 at 9:48 am

      I was looking for a simple shrimp recipe, this one looks delicious to me! Added in my trial list!

      Reply
    6. Renee says

      January 23, 2013 at 12:24 am

      Adding this to my rotation of weeknight shrimp dishes. It sounds so good!

      Reply
    7. Nancy @ gottagetbaked says

      January 22, 2013 at 11:09 pm

      Yum yum yum - I adore shrimp scampi! I love the lighter twist you gave this classic dish, Renee. I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
    8. german in pdx says

      January 23, 2013 at 4:25 am

      Delicious & quick meal. Fantastic!!! I very much like your lightened version ~ Bea @ galactosemia in pdx

      Reply
    9. Foodie Stuntman says

      January 21, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      I like the addition of shallots in your scampi. It must have tasted very good.

      Reply
    10. Paula says

      January 21, 2013 at 1:50 pm

      Ron would love this!

      Reply
    11. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

      January 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm

      This shrimp scampi looks wonderful. I love that you made it lighter.

      Reply
    12. Conni thefoodiearmywife Smith says

      January 21, 2013 at 5:50 am

      Shrimp Scampi! I remember my mom getting this when we went out to eat as a kid 🙂

      Reply
    13. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says

      January 20, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      Shrimp scampi is a favorite in our house, love this lightened up version!

      Reply
    14. Dawn Goerger says

      January 20, 2013 at 11:42 pm

      Can' t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Renee Goerger says

        January 21, 2013 at 2:18 am

        Hey Dawn! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for also leaving a comment, It means a lot to me. I think you'll like this recipe. It's really fast and tasty!!!

        Reply
    15. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says

      January 20, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      This is a perfect twist on the buttery shrimp! The flavors are wonderful. And brown rice is a favorite of mine.

      Reply
    16. Katie says

      January 20, 2013 at 5:17 pm

      My husband would definitely want to get in on the action with this scampi - he loves anything with shrimp! Looks fantastic.

      Reply
    17. Jen @JuanitasCocina says

      January 20, 2013 at 3:45 pm

      YUM! And did you say I can be skinny? 😉

      Reply
    18. Heather Lynne says

      January 20, 2013 at 9:42 pm

      Can you believe I've never had shrimp scampi? This looks wonderful!

      Reply
    19. Wendy Wofford-Garcia says

      January 20, 2013 at 7:58 pm

      Gorgeous! Love that it's not swimming in butter but still gets the essential flavors in!

      Reply
    20. Tara says

      January 20, 2013 at 7:39 pm

      Love your skinny scampi!!

      Reply
    21. Sarah Reid says

      January 20, 2013 at 6:34 pm

      Finally a scampi not swimming in butter! Delish

      Reply
    22. Lane says

      January 20, 2013 at 5:36 pm

      I love that you made shrimp scampi healthier. I do love it and served over brown rice is a great idea.

      Reply
    23. Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says

      January 20, 2013 at 4:05 pm

      I absolutely adore shrimp scampi, it's one of my favorites. This version sounds wonderful!

      Reply
    24. BusyWorkingMama says

      January 20, 2013 at 4:03 pm

      I bet the fresh herbs are a huge plus!

      Reply
    25. Nicole @ Daily Dish Recipes says

      January 20, 2013 at 3:36 pm

      OMG. This looks/sounds amazing! I love shrimp scampi... in fact, I love shrimp anything and I'm excited to try this.

      Reply
    26. Flour On My Face says

      January 20, 2013 at 3:31 pm

      I love shrimp scampi but I have never had it over rice. I am going to have to try that the next time I make it!

      Reply
    27. Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says

      January 20, 2013 at 3:27 pm

      Love Shrimp Scampi! This looks wonderful!! Yummy!

      Reply
    28. Family Foodie says

      January 20, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      Renee.... I love Shrimp Scampi and can't wait to try this skinny version....it looks fabulous.
      I also want that gorgeous platter!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee holding a cast iron skillet cornbread.

    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

    More →

    Fast and Easy Dinners

    • A salsa sloppy joe sandwich in a small cast iron skillet with avocado slices and a sesame seed bun.
      Salsa Sloppy Joes
    • A stack of Burrito Dogs with some ketchup and mustard in the background.
      Burrito Dogs (aka Dogs in a Blanket)
    • Four Caprese Sausage Sandwiches on a platter with tomatoes and fresh basil.
      Easy Caprese Sausage Sandwich
    • A stack to Burgerdillas on a wooden cutting board.
      Burgerdillas - Burgers in Tortillas

    What's New?

    RSS What's New?

    • Traditional German Potato Salad
      Traditional German Potato Salad Warm and tangy German Potato Salad is the perfect side dish for just about any main course. It's especially good at a backyard BBQ or party. READ: Traditional German Potato Salad
    • Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs
      Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs This recipe for smoked BBQ Salsa Baby Back Ribs came out of necessity. Making BBQ salsa sauce is one of the most flavorful kitchen hacks EVER! READ: Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs
    • Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli
      Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli The bright flavor of Mandarin oranges and the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce makes this citrus ginger chicken a standout recipe for any night of the week! READ: Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli
    • Cheese and Sausage Slow Cooker Lasagna
      Cheese and Sausage Slow Cooker Lasagna This Crockpot Lasagna is just the ticket when you haven't had a lot of time to cook, but dinner is still hot, ready, and delicious. READ: Cheese and Sausage Slow Cooker Lasagna
    • Orange Cream Loaf Cake with Strawberries
      Orange Cream Loaf Cake with Strawberries Orange Cream Loaf Cake is inspired by the iconic flavor of an orange creamsicle. However, this cake is better thanks to an interior cream cheese layer, fresh strawberries throughout, and the delicious finishing touch of an orange citrus glaze. For other delicious sweet and savory recipes that feature citrus […]
    • Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce
      Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce will knock your socks off! The delicious flavor of this hot potato side dish is unusually unique! You'll love it! READ: Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce
    • Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Meringue Carrot Tops
      Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Meringue Carrot Tops Whimsical Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Meringue Carrot Tops are utterly charming, and look like they came right out of Mr. McGregor's garden. I've wanted to try my hand at making stand-alone, whimsical meringue food decorations for a long time. What better way to start than with these easy, […]
    • Pulled Beer-Braised Beef Brisket
      Pulled Beer-Braised Beef Brisket Pulled Beer-Braised Beef Brisket delivers an amazing depth of flavor with an incredibly easy preparation method guaranteed to ensure delicious results! You're going to love the flavor and ease of preparation this delicious pulled Beef and Beer Braised Brisket delivers. It's a hearty meal that can be served a multitude of […]
    • Chilled Crab and Pea Seafood Salad
      Chilled Crab and Pea Seafood Salad Chilled Crab and Pea Seafood Salad is what you should reach for when you'd like a light meal that's heavy on flavor and super easy to prepare. We've probably all heard the puny phrase "Sea food, eat food," well, I've always followed (and enjoyed) that bit of witticism, so […]
    • Creamy Reuben Soup with Rye Croutons
      Creamy Reuben Soup with Rye Croutons Creamy Reuben Soup tastes amazingly like an iconic Reuben sandwich, complete with the grilled rye bread! You'll be blown away by the flavor and how fast and easy this soup is to make. I adore Reuben sandwiches and have made my fair share over the years. Many times, when […]

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When I find a great product or service I like to share it with my readers. For additional information please view my privacy policy.

    Copyright © 2025 Kudos Kitchen by Renee

    2 shares
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Save
    • Threads