Need a quick and delicious dinner that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free? This easy Shrimp Scampi recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple, flavorful ingredients, it’s a light yet satisfying dish everyone will love!

a skillet with gluten free spaghetti and shrimp.

This recipe was published in 2022; it was updated and re-published in February, 2025.

Skip the restaurant and make this bright, flavorful shrimp scampi recipe at home!

This gluten-free, dairy-free version is ready in just 30 minutes. Swap in gluten-free pasta and use olive oil instead of butter for a light, delicious dish that is free from gluten and dairy.

Toss it with tender shrimp and a lemony sauce for an easy weeknight meal that feels fancy enough for a special occasion. You can’t go wrong with this classic dish!

Why You Need This Recipe

  • You need 5 ingredients and 30 minutes to make it.
  • Everyone loves this easy shrimp recipe that is a family favorite.
  • Shrimp is low in calories but packed with protein! It also has tons of nutrition and is one of my favorite sugar-free foods. The best part? It’s easy to find and not too expensive either.

Key Ingredients

olive oil, parsley, salt, lemon, garlic, shrimp, and noodles.
  • Gluten-free spaghetti – Find gluten-free pasta in any grocery store near the regular pasta. I find rice noodles to be the closest to regular noodles. You can check out my article on the best gluten-free pasta brands if you’re unsure which kind to buy.
  • Olive oil – The shrimp are sautéed in olive oil, which is then made into a lemony sauce. Olive oil is an excellent butter and ghee substitute that has no dairy.
  • Shrimp – Be sure to buy large shrimp that’s peeled and deveined to cut back on prep time. You can use raw shrimp that’s fresh or frozen. Thaw frozen shrimp out in the refrigerator first. You may also like my Air Fryer Low Carb Shrimp recipe.
  • Lemon – Lemon juice is essential for the scampi sauce you know and love! It gives the sauce a bright, lemony flavor.
  • Parsley – Top with parsley for a pop of green and earthy flavor. Be sure to buy flat-leaf Italian parsley.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps

how to cook shrimp scampi in skillet.

Step One

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Check to see if it’s done a minute or two early.

While the spaghetti cooks, pour the oil into a large skillet over medium heat (see my article with the best cookware material for health). Let the oil heat up before sautéing the shrimp.

Want an oil-free version? Swap the olive oil for chicken broth or dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.

Add the garlic and let it sauté until fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes. Use tongs to flip the shrimp over and let them cook for 2 more minutes. Resist the urge to cook them too long. Shrimp overcook quickly.

Turn off the heat and transfer the shrimp and garlic to a serving plate.

Step Three

Drain the pasta and pour it into the same skillet used to cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp and garlic, lemon juice, and seasoning to the gluten-free pasta.

Step Four

Toss to combine. Serve and enjoy with fresh parsley and a dash of black pepper or fresh basil!

I hope you love this gluten-free shrimp scampi as much as I do. You don’t have to give up classic recipes like this one on a gluten and dairy-free diet.

I’ve also created copycat recipes for Gluten-Free Chicken Teriyaki, Crockpot Beef Pho, and Gluten-Free Salmon Cakes, all made allergen-friendly.

shrimp scampi served on a plate.

Recipe Tips

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  • You can use shrimp with the tails on or the tails off. It is easier to eat cooked shrimp with the tails off.
  • Shrimp cooks quickly. It’s done when it turns an opaque, light pink color.
  • I like to check the pasta a few minutes early to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Gluten-free noodles get mushy when cooked too long.

Recipe Variations to Try

  • Spicy Scampi – Add red pepper flakes, chili flakes, or a dash of Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
  • Veggie Scampi – Toss in zucchini noodles, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
  • Creamy Scampi – Stir in a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream for a richer sauce.
  • Mediterranean Scampi – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers for bold, briny flavor.
  • Lemon-Herb Scampi – Brighten it up with extra lemon juice and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Low-Carb Noodle Options

  • Zucchini Noodle Scampi – Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a light and fresh alternative.
  • Spaghetti Squash Scampi – Roast spaghetti squash and use it as a naturally sweet, pasta-like base.
  • Cauliflower Rice Scampi – Serve the shrimp and sauce over sautéed cauliflower rice for a grain-free option.
  • Shirataki Noodle Scampi – Use low-carb, keto-friendly shirataki noodles for a pasta-like texture without the carbs.
  • Garlic Butter Cabbage Scampi – Sauté shredded cabbage with garlic and olive oil for a surprisingly delicious, low-carb swap.

Recipe FAQs

Does frozen shrimp have gluten?

No, frozen shrimp are almost always gluten-free. Seasoned, breaded, or flavored shrimp may contain gluten though. Be sure to always check the ingredient label to be sure!

What do you serve with shrimp scampi?

Pasta is the traditional pairing for shrimp scampi but zucchini noodles, white rice, polenta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or roasted potatoes are all delicious options. See my full list of gluten-free carbohydrates.

More Gluten-Free Recipes You Might Like

Or, check out my entire list of gluten-free main dishes.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi

Microgreens Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dinner Rolls (Vegan Option)

Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad (Copycat Recipe)

Whole Foods Broccoli Crunch Salad (Copycat Recipe)

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

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gluten free shrimp scampi in skillet.

Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi (Dairy-Free Too)

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5 from 2 reviews

Print Recipe

Need a quick and delicious dinner that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free? This easy Shrimp Scampi recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple, flavorful ingredients, it’s a light yet satisfying dish everyone will love!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 16–ounce package gluten-free spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or tails off)
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package.
  2. While the spaghetti is cooking, pour the oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Let the oil heat up for a few minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and let it sauté for about a minute, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the shrimp and let it cook for 2 minutes. Use tongs to flip the shrimp pieces over to cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Turn off the heat and transfer the cooked shrimp and garlic to a serving plate.
  6. Drain the pasta and pour it into the skillet that you just used to cook the shrimp. Add back the cooked shrimp and garlic, plus the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pasta. Toss to combine.
  7. Serve hot, with the chopped parsley on top.

Notes

  1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  2. You can use shrimp with the tails on or the tails off. It is easier to eat cooked shrimp with the tails off.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe
  • Calories: 279
  • Sugar: 0.3 g
  • Sodium: 345.2 mg
  • Fat: 10.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30.4 g
  • Fiber: 1.7 g
  • Protein: 21.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 146 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is a certified holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.