Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a timeless seafood dish that delivers bold, comforting flavor with minimal effort. Juicy shrimp are quickly sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with fresh lemon juice and herbs for a bright, irresistible finish. This classic recipe is perfect when you want an impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this shrimp scampi recipe stand out is its balance of simplicity and elegance. Using pantry staples like butter, olive oil, garlic, and white wine, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes. The sauce coats each shrimp beautifully, making it ideal for serving over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop.
This garlic butter shrimp scampi is incredibly versatile and works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish comes together quickly and looks stunning on the plate. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you’re searching for an easy shrimp scampi recipe that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup, this is it. With simple ingredients and fast cooking time, garlic butter shrimp scampi is a go-to seafood favorite you’ll come back to again and again. Serve it your way and enjoy a classic dish that never goes out of style.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and elegant dish made with tender shrimp sautéed in rich butter, fragrant garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Finished with parsley and optional red pepper flakes, this classic recipe delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Pour in white wine and lemon juice; simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in remaining butter and lemon zest until melted and glossy.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove them as soon as they turn pink.
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Fresh garlic is key; avoid garlic powder for authentic scampi flavor.
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If avoiding alcohol, chicken broth works perfectly in place of wine.
Variations
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Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
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Pasta Scampi: Toss shrimp with cooked linguine or spaghetti and extra sauce.
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Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
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Extra Citrus: Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for brightness.
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Herb Swap: Try basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
