Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Quick, Garlic Butter Perfection

Introduction

Craving a restaurant-quality shrimp dish that’s effortless to make at home? This easy shrimp scampi recipe delivers bold flavors in just 20 minutes! Succulent shrimp are bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this guide, you’ll find a foolproof recipe, pro tips, variations, and everything you need to make the best shrimp scampi at home. Let’s dive in!

1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is pantry-friendly!
• Restaurant-Quality: Tastes just like your favorite Italian bistro.
• Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

2. Ingredients for the Best Shrimp Scampi

Here’s what you need for perfect shrimp scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or additional wine)
• 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 lb linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
• Grated Parmesan (for garnish)

3. How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta (If Using)

• Boil a pot of salted water and cook linguine or spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes

• Heat 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

• Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
• Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Stir in lemon juice and remaining butter. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

• Return shrimp to the pan and coat in the sauce.
• If using pasta, toss it directly into the pan.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

• Serve hot, with extra lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping!

Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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This quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe is packed with garlic, butter, and lemon flavors, making it a perfect restaurant-quality meal at home.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1/2 lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/2 lb linguine optional, for serving
• as needed Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

 

• Boil a large pot of salted water and cook linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds.
• Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  
• Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
• Stir in lemon juice and the remaining butter, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Video

Notes

For the best results, use fresh shrimp and avoid overcooking. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream before serving.

Keyword Easy Shrimp Scampi, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Quick Dinner

4. Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Use fresh or frozen shrimp – If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp – It should be pink and just firm.
• Deglaze the pan – Scrape up any flavorful bits after adding the wine.
• Use quality white wine – Avoid overly sweet wines for the best balance.

5. Serving Suggestions – What Goes Well with Shrimp Scampi?

• Pasta: Classic with linguine or spaghetti.
• Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the garlicky sauce.
• Salad: A light side salad balances the richness.

6. Variations and Ingredient Substitutions

• No Wine? Use chicken broth instead.
• Keto-Friendly: Serve over zucchini noodles.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast! Remove it from heat as soon as it turns pink.
• Too Much Lemon: Lemon brightens the dish, but too much can overpower it.
• Not Deglazing the Pan: Scraping up the browned bits adds extra flavor.
• Using Pre-Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a difference in taste!

8. Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water.
• Do Not Microwave: It can make the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This easy shrimp scampi recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, it’s always a hit. Try this restaurant-quality dish at home tonight!

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