This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.

This dairy free shrimp scampi uses non-dairy butter to deliver the rich buttery goodness for every diet to enjoy!

dairy free shrimp scampi

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Shrimp scampi is a simple but delicious buttery dish made with white wine and garlic.

But because it uses butter, it’s usually off-limits for dairy-free foodies. What if the recipe uses dairy-free butter instead? Will it taste as good?

This dairy-free shrimp scampi is here to prove that it is as tasty as a classic shrimp scampi with regular dairy butter!

What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American dish that features shrimp cooked in butter, white wine, and garlic. Its delicious buttery flavor is so well-loved that there’s a National Shrimp Scampi day.

But for people with dairy-free diets, shrimp scampi becomes an automatic pass because of the buttery sauce.

Will replacing butter still satisfy the rich, garlicky, buttery scampi sauce? This is what inspired this easy but yummy dairy-free shrimp scampi recipe.

It uses butter made from coconut oil to deliver the buttery goodness that some swear is even better than dairy butter.

dairy free shrimp scampi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the best dairy-free shrimp scampi recipe because it still provides the rich buttery flavor enjoyed in classic shrimp scampi.

It also takes less than an hour to prepare and cook, so it’s a quick and easy dinner idea that can satisfy seafood cravings.

Here are what to expect with this dairy-free shrimp scampi compared to other shrimp scampi versions:

  • It’s Dairy-Free: More and more people are considering a dairy-free diet because of the health benefits, and some individuals might also need to avoid dairy products. The good news is this dairy-free shrimp scampi is as rich and buttery as the classic recipe, so all diets can enjoy every bite without worrying about dairy.
  • It’s Ready in 30 Minutes: Everyone always says they’d try cooking at home more, but the time and effort needed are huge obstacles for this budget-saving and healthy habit. Maybe today is the day to cook dinner at home with this easy 30-minute dairy-free shrimp scampi!
  • Surprisingly Affordable: Surprise loved ones with the filling and hearty shrimp scampi without needing to spend much. This yummy recipe only needs a few ingredients, some of which are likely already in the kitchen pantry.
  • Incredibly Filling: This low-budget meal that’s perfect for busy nights is also incredibly filling. The shrimp provides protein, and serving it over pasta will keep anybody full for longer.

What Does Shrimp Scampi Taste Like?

Shrimp scampi is simple: butter, garlic, and white wine sauce with sweet and tender shrimp.

It can be served alone as an appetizer or side dish, but it can be a filling main course with pasta, noodles, or rice.

The butter and garlic pairing is a tried and tested flavor combination, and using it with sweet and meaty shrimp is just a match made in heaven. No wonder there’s a National day for shrimp scampi.

This dairy-free shrimp scampi replaces dairy butter with vegan butter so everyone can enjoy it regardless of diet preference and health.

Prepare to say, “Are you sure this is not real butter?” after trying this quick and easy dish.

dairy free shrimp scampi

Is Shrimp Scampi Healthy For You?

Shrimp scampi is a good source of protein and carbs, thanks to the shrimp and pasta. It also uses few ingredients, so there are fewer unnecessary fats and calories.

This dairy-free shrimp scampi recipe even uses vegan butter made from coconut oil, so it’s high in healthy fats compared to using normal butter with higher saturated fats.

But, like eating any pasta dish without many veggies, shrimp scampi is best enjoyed in controlled portions.

Continue reading below, as this guide also includes alternatives for some of the ingredients to make this dairy free shrimp scampi recipe even healthier.

It can be modified into a dairy free shrimp scampi without wine and gluten-free!

What Are The Benefits Of Shrimp Scampi?

The top benefit of shrimp scampi, among other shrimp dishes is that it’s very easy to do. It won’t take an hour to finish, and most ingredients are readily available in anyone’s kitchen.

It’s basically shrimp cooked in butter, wine, garlic, and some spices to make it more aromatic.

It won’t require complicated cooking techniques, so it’s perfect for busy nights and low-budget meal plans.

dairy free shrimp scampi

And best of all, this non-dairy shrimp scampi recipe can be enjoyed by people who can’t have dairy in their diet.

Thanks to plant-based butter, they still get to savor the richness of shrimp scampi over pasta.

Ingredients For Dairy Free Shrimp Scampi

  • Shrimp – It’s up to the cook if they want to use medium or large fresh shrimp for the recipe. A tip to save time is to buy peeled and deveined raw shrimp.
  • Linguine – The delicious dairy free shrimp scampi sauce is best served over linguine pasta. Any other type of pasta will also work.
  • Dairy-free butter – Instead of removing butter, use dairy-free or vegan butter to achieve the mouthwatering, rich sauce in this shrimp scampi recipe.
  • Fresh lemon juice – A must-have to any dish with shrimp, and it also pairs deliciously with garlic.
  • Dry white wine – Classic shrimp scampi uses white wine to balance the butter and garlic flavors in each bite.
  • Garlic – Compliments shrimp and butter well and adds a beautiful aroma while cooking shrimp scampi.
  • Shallots – Helps build delicious flavor for the shrimp scampi sauce.
  • Red pepper flakes – This savory spice can be adjusted to taste preference and is a more flavorful addition to scampi than black pepper.
  • Fresh parsley – Adds color for plating and freshness for the savory, buttery scampi sauce.

Tools Needed To Prepare Dairy Free Shrimp Scampi

  • Skillet for cooking the sauce and shrimp
  • Knife for chopping fresh parsley

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Shrimp Scampi

Linguine

Want to make this delicious dairy free shrimp scampi gluten-free? Switch linguine with gluten-free spaghetti!

Dry white wine

If dry white wine is unavailable, this dairy free shrimp scampi can also use chicken broth as the soup base.

Those who don’t drink wine will be pleased to know they won’t miss out on this beloved shrimp pasta dish.

Dairy-free parmesan cheese

This dairy free shrimp scampi is already delicious when served on its own with freshly chopped parsley.

However, it wouldn’t hurt to top the shrimp and pasta with some dairy-free parmesan cheese, which is made from cashew but tastes like the real deal!

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

Tools You Need

Instructions

STEP 1: Gather all the ingredients for the delicious shrimp scampi.

dairy free shrimp scampi

STEP 2: Heat a large skillet to a medium-high setting and melt the dairy-free butter.

dairy free shrimp scampi

STEP 3: Saute the shallots and garlic in the dairy-free butter until soft.

dairy free shrimp scampi

STEP 4: Cook the shrimp in the skillet until they turn pink.

dairy free shrimp scampi

STEP 5: Pour the lemon juice, white wine, and red pepper flakes into the skillet and simmer for two minutes. Can also season with salt as desired.

dairy free shrimp scampi

STEP 6: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with the cooked linguine or any favorite pasta.

dairy free shrimp scampi

What To Serve With Shrimp Scampi

Side dishes can complete shrimp scampi for a filling and rewarding meal. Roasted Brussels sprouts can accompany the buttery and garlicky pasta with tender shrimp.

Enjoy the aromatic and rich shrimp scampi with the crunch from the charred and slightly salty Brussels sprouts.

Another side dish idea for shrimp scampi is French bread rolls instead of the usual crunchy garlic bread.

Psst! Try our Bananas Foster Croissant Bread Pudding or this Moist Apple Cinnamon Bread.

dairy free shrimp scampi

They might be what’s missing at the dinner table, and they’re perfect for soaking up the buttery goodness of the leftover shrimp scampi sauce on the plate after finishing the pasta.

Here are some other delicious dishes from the blog that pairs well with seafood. They can be served with shrimp scampi for a complete meal or have them replace the pasta:

Tips About Making Shrimp Scampi

This dairy free shrimp scampi recipe is impossible to ruin, even for those who hate cooking because it’s that easy!

But to ensure the perfect result and wow loved ones, here are three secrets to remember:

  • When draining the pasta of choice, keep some of the pasta water as the starch from it can make the shrimp scampi sauce creamier.
  • Never fear rubbery and overcooked shrimp again by cooking each side for one minute or flipping them over once they turn opaque.
  • Get the perfect sear and bite on shrimp scampi by cooking single-layer shrimp in batches and using a skillet that’s large enough to give them space.

How To Store Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a fast and easy recipe, but it can also be made ahead of time for convenience, especially on a busy week.

Here are some storage guidelines to remember:

  • Fridge: Once the shrimp scampi has cooled down, keep it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to four days.
  • Freezer: The longest time shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for three months.
  • Reheating: If frozen, thaw the shrimp scampi in the fridge overnight for reheating the next day. For best results, it’s better to store shrimp scampi and pasta separately or cook fresh pasta to partner with the reheated shrimp scampi.
dairy free shrimp scampi

What Wine Pairs With Shrimp Scampi?

The light Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for the creamy shrimp scampi, but a glass of wine like Chardonnay is also enjoyable with buttery dishes.

FAQ About Shrimp Scampi

What vegetable goes with shrimp scampi?

Simple and light roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or steamed broccoli would be yummy with the indulgent, buttery goodness of shrimp scampi while also providing additional nutrition benefits.

What pasta to use for shrimp scampi?

The wide and flat linguine pasta is the perfect bed for shrimp scampi, but cooks can use any pasta they want, like a favorite gluten-free spaghetti.

Dairy Free Shrimp Scampi

Dairy Free Shrimp Scampi

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This dairy free shrimp scampi uses non-dairy butter to deliver rich buttery goodness for every diet to enjoy!

Instructions

  1. Gather all the ingredients for the delicious shrimp scampi. 
  2. Heat a large skillet to a medium-high setting and melt the dairy-free butter.
  3. Saute the shallots and garlic in the dairy-free butter until soft.
  4. Cook the shrimp in the skillet until they turn pink.
  5. Pour the lemon juice, white wine, and red pepper flakes into the skillet and simmer for two minutes.
  6. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with the cooked linguine. 

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water and add it to the scampi sauce to make it creamier.
  • Cook the shrimp for about two minutes to avoid overcooking them. 

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 326Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 903mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 24g

* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for the most accurate results.

Love this recipe? Save for later!

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Conclusion

People who can’t have dairy products like butter can still enjoy shrimp scampi, thanks to plant-based butter. The rich and delicious dairy free shrimp scampi is also perfect as a low-budget but filling dinner idea.

dairy free shrimp scampi

Even busy people can insert this dish into their schedule because of the short cooking time. And to make this even healthier, swap for gluten-free pasta and use chicken stock instead of white wine!

If you liked this dairy-free shrimp scampi, you’d love these related posts:

Leave a Reply

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