Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a quick, flavorful dish that feels fancy enough for guests but is ridiculously easy to whip up, then you’re going to adore this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together fast, with juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s brightened by fresh lemon and a splash of white wine. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party, you’ll find this recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe really comes from using fresh, high-quality shrimp and that perfect balance between garlic, butter, and lemon. I usually pick wild-caught shrimp when I can, but even frozen works fine—as long as you thaw properly. Also, using a good dry white wine adds a subtle complexity that broth just can’t mimic, but both are great depending on what you have.

• Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a lovely fruity undertone.
• Butter: The star that creates the rich, silky sauce you’ll want to spoon every last drop of.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that punch of authentic flavor; jarred garlic can work in a pinch but doesn’t compare.
• Shrimp: Large prawns work best here—you want them big enough to hold their texture and flavor through cooking.
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Dry white wine (or broth): Adds acidity and depth to the sauce, making it more than just buttery garlic goodness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick; add as much or as little as you like.
• Lemon juice: Adds fresh brightness to cut through the richness of the butter sauce.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green freshness to finish it off and add a pop of color.

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is—you can tweak it to fit whatever mood or pantry situation you’re in. I mean, who doesn’t want options?

• Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in cherry tomatoes or spinach right at the end for extra color and nutrition; it’s a great way to sneak some greens onto the plate.
• Spicy upgrade: If you love spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh jalapeño—I promise it wakes up the whole dish.
• Low-carb version: Swap out pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a light, gluten-free meal that still feels indulgent.
• Non-alcoholic swap: If you’re avoiding wine, vegetable or chicken broth does the trick perfectly, keeping it moist and flavorful.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil

Start by warming olive oil and half of your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, toss in your minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds to a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when that irresistible aroma fills your kitchen—but be careful not to brown the garlic, or it’ll get bitter. This step sets the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add your shrimp to the pan in a single layer and season with a pinch of salt and cracked pepper. Let the shrimp cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes until the edges just start to turn pink. Then flip them over. This quick sear ensures your shrimp stay juicy and tender—overcooking is the enemy here, trust me!

Step 3: Add Wine and Simmer

Pour in the white wine or broth, add red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Give it about 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces by roughly half and the shrimp is fully cooked through (opaque and slightly curled up). This reduction concentrates all those flavors into the sauce you’ll drizzle over your shrimp.

Step 4: Finish with Butter, Lemon, and Parsley

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the remaining butter, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. The residual heat melts the butter and blends those bright, fresh flavors right through the dish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my shrimp scampi with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and sometimes a few thin lemon slices or wedges on the side. A little sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can also be delicious, especially if you’re serving it over pasta. It adds a salty, nutty finish that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe with linguine or angel hair pasta tossed lightly in olive oil. For a lighter meal, steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice works wonders. If you want something crunchy, garlic bread on the side is a total crowd-pleaser, especially for soaking up that buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the scampi in individual shallow bowls with a lemon twist on top and a sprinkle of microgreens. Another fun way is to pile it over a bed of zucchini ribbons for a festive, fresh presentation that’s sure to impress family or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shrimp scampi should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within 2 days for the best flavor and texture. I recommend cooling it down before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp scampi is possible, but I find the texture changes slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight. To help maintain texture, don’t freeze for more than 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave works too, but low and slow on the stove keeps the shrimp tender and prevents them from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen ever since I stumbled upon it in a moment when I needed dinner fast but wanted something special. It’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients and elegant flavor that always feels like a treat. I really hope you try it and enjoy it as much as my family does – it’s truly a winner every single time!

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