Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp sizzling together in a pan. The rich aroma fills the kitchen, hinting at the luxurious, restaurant-quality meal that's about to be served. Best of all, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner guests.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with shrimp scampi during a vacation to the coast, where fresh seafood was always on the menu. Determined to recreate the dish at home, I discovered that it requires just a handful of simple ingredients to achieve that same elegant, buttery goodness. Now, it's a staple in my kitchen, impressing friends and family every time.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious shrimp scampi. It’s the perfect balance of garlicky, buttery, and lemony flavors, all tied together with perfectly cooked shrimp and pasta.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy. You can have this dish on the table in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or last-minute dinner plans.

It’s also budget-friendly. Shrimp scampi may sound fancy, but it’s made with simple, affordable ingredients. You don’t need to dine out to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Versatility is another huge plus. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. You can also customize the dish with added veggies or spice it up with red pepper flakes.

Finally, the flavor is simply irresistible. The combination of garlic-infused butter, fresh lemon juice, and juicy shrimp creates a dish that’s rich yet light, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Shrimp is the star of the dish, so it's important to use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. I prefer large shrimp (16-20 count) for their juicy texture. Be sure to peel and devein them before cooking.

Garlic is essential for that signature scampi flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best, as it infuses the butter with its rich aroma. Avoid pre-minced garlic, which can have a duller taste.

Butter and Olive Oil create a luxurious base for the sauce. The combination of both ensures a rich, velvety texture without being too heavy.

Lemon Juice and Zest add the perfect amount of brightness, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

White Wine or Chicken Broth helps deglaze the pan and adds a layer of depth to the sauce. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, chicken broth works just as well.

A final sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes bring everything together, adding freshness and a little kick of heat.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Creating this irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is easier than you think. Let’s walk through the simple steps.

Start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining, as it helps to thicken the sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and half of the butter, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they turn pink and slightly golden. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Deglaze the skillet with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes before adding the remaining butter, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together.

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until well coated. Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them for later.

Refrigerate any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that shrimp can become rubbery when overcooked, so reheat gently.

To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid using the microwave, as it can overcook the shrimp.

While freezing is not recommended due to the delicate texture of shrimp, you can freeze the sauce separately and add fresh shrimp when ready to cook.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about shrimp scampi is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to customize the recipe:

For a low-carb version, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. It’s just as flavorful but much lighter.

Want to make it dairy-free? Use all olive oil instead of butter. The dish will still have a delicious, garlicky sauce without the richness of butter.

For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Prefer a creamier version? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a more indulgent twist on the classic scampi sauce.

Finally, you can add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.

Experiment with these variations and make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi your own!

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