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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

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

  • Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation.

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove them as soon as they turn pink.

  • Fresh garlic is key; avoid garlic powder for authentic scampi flavor.

  • If avoiding alcohol, chicken broth works perfectly in place of wine.


Variations

 

  • Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.

  • Pasta Scampi: Toss shrimp with cooked linguine or spaghetti and extra sauce.

  • Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

  • Extra Citrus: Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for brightness.

  • Herb Swap: Try basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.

  • Author: Emma
  • 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
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