Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb extra-large shrimp (peeled & deveined); ½ cup unsalted butter (divided); 6 cloves garlic (minced); ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ¼ cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); Salt & black pepper (to taste)

Garlic butter shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes barely any time to make. With its rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, a bright hit of lemon, and plump, juicy shrimp, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen. The best part? It comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

This dish has been a personal favorite of mine for years. I remember the first time I made it, I was trying to recreate a seafood dinner I had at a small coastal restaurant. The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp was simply irresistible, and after a few attempts, I realized how incredibly easy it was to make at home. Now, it’s a go-to recipe whenever I need a quick, satisfying meal that feels a little special.

Shrimp scampi is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over pasta for a comforting meal, pair it with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce, or spoon it over rice or mashed potatoes. It also works beautifully as an appetizer for dinner parties—your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, it took just minutes.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a simple yet impressive dish to add to your meal rotation, this garlic butter shrimp scampi is a must-try. The ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and the result is nothing short of delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this dish, but here are the top ones that make it an absolute winner.

First, it’s quick and easy. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish. That means you can have a flavorful, restaurant-worthy meal on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Second, the ingredients are simple and accessible. You don’t need anything fancy—just shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and a few pantry staples. Most of these ingredients might already be in your kitchen.

Another reason this recipe is a standout is its rich, balanced flavor. The butter makes it indulgent, the garlic adds depth, the lemon juice brightens everything up, and the shrimp brings a natural sweetness that ties it all together. If you enjoy dishes with bold flavors, this one won’t disappoint.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, with bread, or even as a side dish. You can adjust the spice level, swap the wine for broth, or add extra ingredients to make it your own.

Lastly, this recipe is great for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. It feels sophisticated enough to serve guests but is simple enough to whip up after a long day.

Health Benefits

Despite its rich, buttery flavor, garlic butter shrimp scampi has several health benefits that make it a great addition to your meal plan.

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, providing about 20 grams per serving. It’s low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which support brain health and metabolism.

Garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds that help fight inflammation, support heart health, and even reduce blood pressure. If you love garlic, you’re not just enjoying a bold flavor—you’re also adding a healthy boost to your meals.

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. It also aids digestion and adds a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the butter.

Even though butter is often seen as an indulgence, it contains important fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D. When used in moderation, it adds both flavor and nutritional value.

When paired with whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat pasta, this dish becomes a well-rounded meal, offering protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe serves four people and takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Sodium: ~500mg

Ingredients List

To make this delicious shrimp scampi, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb uncooked extra-large shrimp (26-30/lb), thawed, peeled, and deveined
½ cup butter (1 stick), divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For serving (optional):

Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by placing them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. If they are not already deveined, use a small knife to remove the black vein along the back.
Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 1 minute per side until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Deglaze with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish the sauce: Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir until the butter is fully melted.
Return the shrimp to the pan: Toss the shrimp in the sauce, cooking for an additional minute just to heat them through.
Season and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with your preferred side.

How to Serve

Over pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine or angel hair pasta.
With crusty bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Over rice: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
As an appetizer: Serve in a bowl with small forks or toothpicks.

Pairing Suggestions

Garlic butter shrimp scampi pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini
Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat. Avoid freezing, as the butter sauce may separate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking shrimp scampi is easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure that your shrimp turn out perfectly tender, and your sauce is rich and flavorful.

One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 1-2 minutes per side. Many people leave them on the heat for too long, causing them to become rubbery and tough. As soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Removing them from the pan promptly will help retain their tenderness.

Another mistake is not patting the shrimp dry before cooking. Excess moisture on the shrimp can prevent them from getting that slight sear, making them release too much water into the pan and resulting in a watery sauce instead of a rich, buttery one.

Using too much or too little garlic can also affect the balance of flavors. Garlic is a key ingredient in this dish, but it should be sautéed just until fragrant. Burning the garlic will make it taste bitter, overpowering the rest of the dish.

Many people also forget to deglaze the pan properly. After cooking the garlic, adding the chicken broth and scraping the bottom of the pan ensures that all the flavorful bits are incorporated into the sauce. Skipping this step results in a less flavorful dish.

Another mistake is using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the dish, while bottled juice can have a slightly artificial taste.

Lastly, seasoning at the wrong time can affect the final taste. Shrimp should be lightly seasoned before cooking, but the final adjustment of salt and pepper should be done at the end to ensure the best flavor balance.

Pro Tips

Making shrimp scampi is simple, but these expert tips will help you elevate the dish to restaurant quality.

Always use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh shrimp, fresh garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice will always give you the best flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

For extra flavor, consider marinating the shrimp for 10-15 minutes in a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before cooking. This enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

If you love a rich and creamy sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a small amount of Parmesan cheese to the sauce just before serving. This creates a slightly creamy texture without overpowering the dish.

To get the best sear on your shrimp, use a large skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking shrimp in batches ensures they cook evenly and develop a slight golden crust, which adds more flavor.

Red pepper flakes add a nice kick to the dish, but if you’re serving kids or those who prefer mild flavors, you can reduce or omit them. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth without the heat.

If you’re serving shrimp scampi over pasta, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water and stir it into the sauce before serving. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta better and creates a smoother texture.

When reheating shrimp scampi, use a low and slow method. High heat can make the shrimp tough, so gently warming them in a skillet with a bit of butter or broth helps retain their tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely under cold running water and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from making the sauce watery.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use seafood stock or even vegetable broth. Some people also use white grape juice mixed with a splash of lemon for a slightly sweeter alternative.

Can I make shrimp scampi without butter?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for the butter if you prefer a lighter dish. However, butter adds a rich, velvety texture that enhances the sauce’s flavor.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they are no longer translucent.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a spicier kick.

What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine and angel hair pasta are the most common choices, but spaghetti and fettuccine also work well. If you prefer a low-carb option, you can serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Garlic butter shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with garlicky, lemony goodness. The shrimp are perfectly tender, and the sauce is irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, it’s sure to impress.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can pair it with pasta for a comforting meal, serve it with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce, or enjoy it over rice for a lighter option. It’s also a fantastic dish for entertaining since it looks elegant but takes only 20 minutes to make.

If you love seafood, this recipe is a must-try. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create a truly spectacular dish. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adjusting the spice level, adding a creamy touch, or experimenting with different herbs.

Now it’s your turn to try this garlic butter shrimp scampi! Give it a go and let me know how it turns out. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family, or save it for later. I’d love to hear your feedback—leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your delicious creations. Happy cooking!