Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot pan, especially when it's bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate quick and easy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant date night at home. With plump, juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I first discovered shrimp scampi when looking for a fast yet impressive dish to serve guests. One bite, and I was hooked—the buttery garlic flavor, the tang of fresh lemon, and the hint of spice from red pepper flakes made it irresistible. Now, it's a go-to meal whenever I need something delicious in under 30 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite shrimp dish. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make.

First off, it comes together in just 20 minutes. Yes, you read that right! From pan to plate, this dish is perfect for those nights when time is short, but you still want something satisfying.

It's also budget-friendly. While shrimp might seem like a splurge, using frozen shrimp and pantry staples like garlic, butter, and pasta keeps the cost low without sacrificing flavor.

Plus, it's versatile. Serve it over pasta, zucchini noodles, or even with crusty bread to soak up that irresistible sauce. You can even customize the spice level to your liking.

Most importantly, it's restaurant-quality. The balance of buttery richness, fresh lemon, and aromatic garlic makes it taste like something you'd order at your favorite Italian bistro.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Every component works together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Garlic: This dish wouldn’t be the same without a generous amount of fresh garlic. Minced garlic infuses the butter sauce with deep, savory flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best taste.

Butter & Olive Oil: The combination of unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil ensures a rich, velvety sauce while preventing the butter from burning. If you love a buttery finish, feel free to add an extra tablespoon at the end.

White Wine: A splash of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhances the sauce with depth and acidity. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, substitute with chicken broth.

Lemon Juice & Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Cooking this dish is as easy as it gets. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter and add the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavor.

Return the shrimp to the pan along with the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately with grated Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side.

Storage Options

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.

To reheat, warm the scampi gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of shrimp can change after thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ways to customize it to your taste:

Make it low-carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to keep things light and keto-friendly.

Try a creamy version: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a rich, velvety sauce.

Add veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

Go spicy: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Use a different protein: Not a fan of shrimp? Substitute with scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a new twist on this classic dish.

No matter how you customize it, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it tonight and watch it disappear in minutes!

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