Name: Cowboy Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp red chili flakes; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 2 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving

Cowboy Scampi is a delicious, down-home twist on the classic shrimp scampi that brings hearty Western flair to a seafood favorite. This comforting dish takes buttery garlic shrimp and tosses it with smoky spices, sautéed peppers, and a hint of lime for brightness. Served over tender pasta or scooped with crusty bread, it hits all the right notes for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive crowd-pleaser.

The name might sound rugged, but the taste is pure decadence. With a kiss of Cajun seasoning, a little cowboy kick of heat, and a buttery garlic sauce that soaks into every bite, Cowboy Scampi is anything but ordinary. It blends surf and Southwest in a way that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Scampi

If you love bold flavors and a dish that comes together quickly without sacrificing taste, this one’s for you. Cowboy Scampi is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or grilled bread, and it’s equally impressive for a family dinner or dinner guests. The spicy undertone from the chili flakes and Cajun seasoning is perfectly balanced with the freshness of lime and the richness of garlic butter.

It also comes together fast. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that looks as stunning as it tastes.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For Cowboy Scampi, large raw shrimp (deveined and peeled) are ideal. You want shrimp that can hold their own among the other robust ingredients like peppers, onions, and bold seasoning. Frozen shrimp work perfectly, just make sure they’re thawed before cooking. Shell-on shrimp add flavor but can be a bit messy for guests. Tail-on or off is a matter of preference, but for ease, tail-off is great for pasta.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Scampi

The beauty of Cowboy Scampi lies in the balance of boldness and buttery richness. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor and comfort.

Shrimp — The star of the show, juicy and tender.
Butter — Creates a rich base for the garlic and adds silky depth.
Garlic — Adds an essential sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Cajun seasoning — Brings smoky heat that defines the cowboy twist.
Red chili flakes — For a little extra fire.
Bell peppers — Add sweetness and color to the mix.
Red onion — Brings a mellow bite and more savory depth.
Fresh lime juice — Adds brightness and contrast to the buttery elements.
Parsley — A fresh finishing touch.
Olive oil — For sautéing the veggies and adding heart-healthy fat.
Pasta or bread — To serve the scampi with.

How To Make the Cowboy Scampi

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Veggies

Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Slice bell peppers and red onion thinly. Mince your garlic and have your seasonings ready.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the peppers and onion. Sauté until they soften and start to char slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Shrimp

Add the minced garlic and shrimp to the skillet. Stir in Cajun seasoning and red chili flakes. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Make it Saucy

Add butter and squeeze fresh lime juice over everything. Stir to coat the shrimp and vegetables with the buttery goodness. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Scampi

Cowboy Scampi is best served piping hot right off the skillet. It pairs well with linguine, rice, or warm crusty sourdough for soaking up that flavorful sauce. If you’re planning for leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately from any carbs to keep the texture perfect.

It serves about 4 people generously, making it ideal for a small family meal or an easy dinner with friends. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce silky.

What to Serve With Cowboy Scampi?

Garlic Bread

A classic companion to any scampi, this soaks up every drop of that buttery sauce.

Cajun Potato Soup

Warm and cozy, this soup echoes the seasoning of the main dish beautifully. Try this Cajun Potato Soup for a match made in flavor heaven.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

A creamy, indulgent side with Tex-Mex vibes. Check out Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini to spice up your plate.

Roasted Veggies

Roast up some broccoli or zucchini for a fresh, healthy balance to the rich sauce.

Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad

Great for a cookout-style pairing. Here’s my Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad that brings cool, creamy contrast.

Sweet Cornbread

A little sweetness works wonders next to spicy shrimp.

Grilled Asparagus

Grill marks and a little crunch make it perfect for soaking up scampi sauce.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved Cowboy Scampi, try out these flavor-packed dishes next:

Creamy Cajun Linguine for another hit of spice and richness.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli if you’re in the mood for creamy comfort.
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas to switch it up with bold baked flavors.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine for a zesty twist on creamy pasta.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta when you want to keep the shrimp theme going strong.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use more heat or tone it down? Add a different veggie or switch up the starch?

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Conclusion

Cowboy Scampi brings the best of buttery shrimp scampi and Southwestern boldness together in one unforgettable dish. It’s rich yet vibrant, fast yet fancy enough for guests, and comforting enough for any night of the week. Once you try it, it might just become your new favorite way to do scampi.