Introduction

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that feels elegant yet comes together in minutes. With plump shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of white wine and fresh parsley, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. For another quick and delicious dinner option, try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Ingredients

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce with a perfect balance of garlic, butter, and a bright hint of lemon.

• 1 1/2 lbs large or extra large shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 2 TBS butter
• 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 C dry white wine or broth
• 1/3 C parsley, chopped
• Squeeze of 1/2 fresh lemon
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	8 minutes
Total Time	18 minutes

Context: This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined), 4 cloves of minced garlic, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of dry white wine, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Having everything measured and ready ensures a smooth cooking process for your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi.

Step 2 — Pat the Shrimp Dry

Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the shrimp dry. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear instead of steaming them in their own moisture.

Step 3 — Season the Shrimp

Season the shrimp generously with salt and black pepper. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 4 — Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn as this will make it bitter.

Step 5 — Cook the Shrimp

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Do not overcook them, or they will become tough.

Step 6 — Create the Sauce

Pour the white wine and lemon juice into the skillet. Let the liquid bubble and reduce for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This creates a flavorful foundation for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi sauce.

Step 7 — Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Step 8 — Serve Immediately

Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is best enjoyed right away.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fat	22g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	780mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken breast strips — Lean protein option with mild flavor that absorbs the garlic butter sauce beautifully
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) — Low-carb alternative to pasta that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter shrimp scampi flavors
• Scallops — Sweet, delicate seafood that cooks quickly and complements the garlic butter sauce
• Olive oil instead of butter — Dairy-free option that still provides rich flavor and healthy fats
• Gluten-free pasta — Perfect for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the classic scampi experience
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth — Cuts salt content while adding depth to your garlic butter shrimp scampi sauce
• Mushrooms — Hearty vegetarian option with meaty texture that soaks up the garlic butter flavors
• Coconut aminos — Low-sodium alternative to soy sauce for adding umami to your dish

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Pair with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, buttery flavors.
• For a low-carb option, spoon the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Accompany with a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the richness.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a bright, vibrant finish.
• Perfect for a romantic dinner, date night in, or a quick yet impressive weeknight meal.

For an elegant presentation, serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in a warm, shallow bowl, arranging the shrimp attractively and drizzling the sauce generously over the top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking shrimp until rubbery. Fix: Cook just until opaque and “C”-shaped, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Mistake: Using raw garlic that burns and turns bitter. Fix: Sauté garlic gently in butter for only 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan, which steams shrimp instead of searing. Fix: Cook shrimp in a single layer with space between them.
• Mistake: Using cold butter, causing the sauce to break. Fix: Use room temperature butter and swirl it in off the heat.
• Mistake: Skipping the shrimp brine, leading to bland flavor. Fix: Briefly brine shrimp in saltwater for 15 minutes before patting dry.
• Mistake: Adding lemon juice too early, making the sauce curdle. Fix: Stir in fresh lemon juice and herbs at the very end.
• Mistake: Not patting shrimp dry, preventing a good sear. Fix: Thoroughly dry shrimp with paper towels before seasoning.
• Mistake: Using pre-minced jarred garlic with muted flavor. Fix: Always use freshly minced garlic for the best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi taste.
• Mistake: Over-reducing the sauce, making it overly salty. Fix: Simmer the sauce briefly and adjust seasoning after reducing.
• Mistake: Forgetting to deglaze the pan, leaving fond behind. Fix: Add a splash of white wine or broth to scrape up those flavorful browned bits.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Always let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. We hope you love it! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For another fantastic shrimp dish, check out our Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator first and pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi sauce.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

This dish is excellent served over pasta, angel hair pasta, or zucchini noodles. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Use medium heat when sautéing the garlic and do not leave it unattended. Add the garlic to the butter just before you add the shrimp, as it cooks very quickly. Burnt garlic will make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi taste bitter.