Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Succulent shrimp dance in a heavenly garlic butter shrimp scampi that promises pure culinary delight.

The aroma of garlic and butter wafts through your kitchen, teasing taste buds with Mediterranean-inspired magic.

Fresh prawns sizzle in a luxurious sauce that speaks of coastal simplicity and elegant comfort.

Each tender morsel carries an irresistible blend of herbs and rich, velvety butter.

Perfectly seasoned and quickly prepared, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The delicate balance of zesty lemon and robust garlic creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a charming seaside restaurant.

Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp Success

• Watch carefully and remove from heat the moment they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Let garlic and red pepper flakes sizzle briefly to release maximum aromatic oils before adding shrimp.
• Choose wild-caught shrimp with firm, translucent appearance for best taste and texture.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock if avoiding alcohol, maintaining similar depth of flavor.
• Modify red pepper flakes quantity to match personal heat preference without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Zoodle Shrimp Scampi: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Shrimp Scampi: Swap butter with coconut oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a creamy, dairy-free version that's packed with flavor.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Scampi: Add Cajun seasoning instead of red pepper flakes and use andouille sausage for an extra kick of heat and complexity.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Scampi: Substitute shrimp with large portobello mushroom slices, maintaining the garlic-butter sauce and serving over your favorite pasta or zoodles.

Serving Shrimp Scampi with Style

• Ocean-Fresh Pasta Plate: Serve this shrimp scampi over al dente linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic Italian-inspired dinner that feels like a seaside restaurant experience.
• Zesty Appetizer Style: Present the succulent shrimp on toasted crostini or crispy garlic bread as an elegant party appetizer that will impress guests with minimal effort.
• Bright Salad Companion: Pair the garlic butter shrimp alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery flavors and add refreshing contrast.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a Mediterranean-style platter with the shrimp as the centerpiece, surrounded by olives, feta cheese, cucumber slices, and warm pita bread for a vibrant shared meal.

How to Store Shrimp Scampi Leftovers

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled shrimp and pasta to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing as sauce may separate when thawed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of white wine or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently for even heating.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Shrimp can quickly become rubbery, so watch carefully and heat just until warm.

FAQs

• Is shrimp scampi difficult to make?

No, it’s surprisingly easy! With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, anyone can prepare this delicious dish in under 15 minutes.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water in the pan.

• What if I don't have white wine?

No problem! You can substitute with chicken broth or even water with a splash of extra lemon juice to maintain the same bright, light flavor profile.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for the shrimp to turn from gray/translucent to pink and slightly curled. They typically take about 2-3 minutes per side and should not look rubbery or opaque.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Works

• Whip Up a Gourmet Delight: This shrimp scampi transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses without complex cooking techniques.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious dinner in just minutes, perfect for busy families craving a tasty seafood dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows swapping pasta for zucchini noodles, adjusting spice levels, or serving over rice to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty garlic, bright lemon, and succulent shrimp to create a dish that appeals to both adults and kids with its bold, satisfying taste.

Shrimp Scampi Ingredient Essentials

• Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this dish.
• Pasta: Optional base that provides a delicious foundation for the shrimp scampi.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth cooking base and adds subtle flavor.
• Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and enhances overall taste of the dish.
• White Wine: Adds depth and acidity to the sauce, creating a complex flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy notes that complement the shrimp perfectly.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Create a spicy and aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light, fresh flavor to the finished dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Wedges: Optional toppings that provide extra flavor and brightness to the final presentation.

Shrimp Scampi Easy Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package directions.

Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing it to rest while you work on the star of the show – the shrimp.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Drizzle in olive oil and plop in butter, letting them mingle and create a golden, aromatic base for your seafood adventure.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Spices

Toss in minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Stir quickly, allowing these ingredients to dance and release their intense flavors for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Add your fresh shrimp to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper.

Cook each side for 2 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color, signaling they’re perfectly done.

Gently remove and set aside.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Sauce

Pour in white wine (or broth for a non-alcoholic version) and fresh lemon juice.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Step 6: Create Silky Coating

Stir in remaining butter, creating a luscious sauce.

Return the shrimp to the pan, gently tossing to ensure each piece is gloriously coated with the garlic butter sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Protein

If using pasta, add it to the skillet.

Sprinkle in fresh chopped parsley and toss everything together, allowing the pasta to soak up all the incredible flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate immediately, topping with grated Parmesan cheese and serving with extra lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Garlic butter shrimp scampi dances with Mediterranean flavors, whisking home cooks into a culinary paradise. Rich buttery notes and zesty garlic embrace succulent shrimp, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can savor in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta (Optional):

• 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine or spaghetti

Complementary Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions if serving alongside the dish, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat until butter melts and becomes slightly frothy.
3. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, gently sautéing for roughly 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without browning.
4. Carefully add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook approximately 2 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and curl slightly.
5. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their tender texture.
6. Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine or broth with fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes while scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
7. Incorporate remaining butter into the sauce, creating a rich and glossy consistency.
8. Return shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them in the luxurious sauce.
9. If using pasta, fold it into the shrimp mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
10. Sprinkle chopped parsley across the dish for a fresh, bright finish.
11. Plate immediately, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and additional lemon wedges for a zesty touch.

Notes

• Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your scampi.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear perfectly and develop a delicious golden color.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning garlic.
• Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Replace pasta entirely with cauliflower rice or serve shrimp over a bed of mixed greens.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit personal taste preferences.
• Add cooked chicken or tofu alongside shrimp for a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg