Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

There's something truly magical about the combination of shrimp, garlic, and butter sizzling together in a pan. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and when paired with tender pasta and a hint of lemon, it transforms into an irresistible dish.

I first made this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet impressive. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish became an instant favorite in our home. Now, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I want to serve up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, flavorful meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to serve. Perfect for those nights when you need a fast yet satisfying meal.

Second, it's bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates a rich and savory taste, while the lemon juice adds just the right amount of brightness to balance it out.

Another great thing about this recipe? It’s budget-friendly. Shrimp might sound fancy, but when paired with simple pantry staples like pasta, garlic, and butter, it becomes an affordable gourmet meal.

Lastly, this dish is versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. You can also customize the spice level with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making this dish shine.

Shrimp: I recommend using large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp is always best, but frozen shrimp works just as well—just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Garlic: This is the star of the dish! Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, so mince it finely for even distribution throughout the sauce.

Butter: A generous amount of butter is what gives this scampi its rich, silky texture. Use unsalted butter to better control the seasoning of the dish.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential. It brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter and shrimp.

Pasta: Traditional scampi is served over linguine, but you can also use spaghetti, angel hair, or even a gluten-free alternative.

You'll also need a large skillet and tongs for easy shrimp flipping. If serving with pasta, have a pot of boiling water ready before you start cooking.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Making this dish is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.

Start by boiling a pot of salted water for the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt half of the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery when overdone.

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining butter to the skillet along with a splash of white wine or chicken broth. Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlicky butter sauce.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little grated Parmesan for extra depth of flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and delicious!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before storing to prevent condensation from making the pasta soggy.

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them tough.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative!

For a low-carb version, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. The buttery garlic sauce pairs beautifully with these alternatives.

Want more protein? Add chicken or scallops alongside the shrimp for a seafood medley.

If you love spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for an extra kick.

For a deeper flavor, use white wine instead of chicken broth in the sauce. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.

Lastly, if you’re dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with olive oil. It won’t be quite as rich, but the garlic and lemon will still make the dish shine.

With so many ways to make it your own, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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