Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp sizzling in a hot pan. The rich aroma fills your kitchen, promising a meal that's both elegant and effortless. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

I first discovered this dish while searching for a restaurant-quality meal I could whip up at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, I was amazed at how easy it was to create something so decadent. Now, it's my go-to recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi will become a staple in your meal rotation.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on your plate, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Shrimp might sound like a splurge, but when paired with simple pantry ingredients like pasta, garlic, and butter, it becomes an affordable luxury.

Not only is it versatile, but it’s also endlessly customizable. Serve it over pasta, zucchini noodles, or even with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Lastly, it’s packed with bold flavors. The garlic butter sauce, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes create a perfect balance of richness and brightness in every bite.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the best flavor and texture.

Shrimp: Look for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh is always best, but frozen shrimp work well too—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Garlic: Since this is a garlic-forward dish, use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor. Minced garlic releases its essence into the butter, creating an aromatic base for the sauce.

Butter and Olive Oil: Using both butter and olive oil gives the sauce a rich, silky texture while preventing the butter from burning. The combination enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

White Wine: A splash of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you prefer to skip alcohol, chicken broth works as a great substitute.

Lemon Juice and Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, while red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of heat. Adjust both to your taste preference.

No special equipment is needed—just a large skillet to cook everything quickly and evenly.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Creating this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is simpler than you might think. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Start by preparing your shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold running water and pat them dry. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

Next, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter starts to sizzle, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine (or chicken broth). Let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step enhances the sauce with rich, caramelized flavors.

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the sauce. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for another minute, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

In total, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner that feels gourmet.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi stores well for later enjoyment.

For best results, store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Reheating is simple—warm it over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.

If you plan to freeze it, store only the shrimp and sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences.

Want a creamy twist? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese at the end for a rich, velvety finish.

Prefer a low-carb option? Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash to keep it light and keto-friendly.

If you’re out of white wine, don’t worry—chicken broth or vegetable broth works just as well, keeping the dish flavorful without alcohol.

Looking to make it spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

For a heartier meal, toss in some cherry tomatoes or baby spinach. They add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the garlicky butter sauce.

No matter how you make it, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is sure to impress. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

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