Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is all about big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp creates a luxurious yet light sauce that clings beautifully to pasta or soaks into fresh bread. It’s quick to prepare, requires simple pantry ingredients, and delivers on taste every single time. Plus, it’s easy to dress up or down, depending on the occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• White wine or chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Pasta (linguine or spaghetti), or crusty bread for serving
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. If serving with pasta, cook it in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter. Let the sauce reduce slightly.
7. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Add cooked pasta if using, along with a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb: Skip the pasta and serve with steamed vegetables or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version.
• Tomato Twist: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic.
• Citrus Boost: Add lemon zest for extra brightness.
• Herbaceous: Mix in fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the shrimp may change.

FAQs

What kind of shrimp is best for scampi?

Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this dish. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Chicken broth is a great substitute. You can also use seafood broth or water with a squeeze of lemon.

How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Shrimp cook quickly—usually in 1–2 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Can I make this dish without pasta?

Absolutely. Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or with steamed or sautéed veggies.

Is this dish spicy?

Only slightly, and only if you include red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your preference.

What’s the best pasta for shrimp scampi?

Linguine and spaghetti are most common, but angel hair or fettuccine also work well.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use olive oil in place of butter and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions to the dish.

Is shrimp scampi gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by serving it with gluten-free pasta or a side of veggies or rice.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a timeless, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and guaranteed to impress. With its silky garlic-lemon sauce and tender shrimp, it’s as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for entertaining guests. Pair it with pasta, bread, or veggies for a satisfying meal that’s light, elegant, and delicious every time.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a fast and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. Perfect served over pasta or with crusty bread, it’s a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/3 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (or crusty bread for serving)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add lemon juice and remaining butter. Stir to combine and reduce slightly.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if using.
8. Top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
• Chicken broth can replace wine for an alcohol-free option.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery when overdone.
• Add lemon zest or veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
• Leftovers should be eaten within 2 days for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate with pasta
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 210mg