Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Pasta Night

When summer nights call for a quick garlic butter shrimp scampi, magic happens in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Succulent prawns dance in a luxurious sauce that whispers Mediterranean charm.

Fragrant herbs mingle with golden butter, creating an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

Each tender morsel promises a burst of rich, zesty flavor.

Coastal inspirations blend seamlessly with simple ingredients you already have on hand.

Fresh shrimp become the star of a dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality meal made right at home.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• What if I don't have white wine?

You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or clam juice to maintain the flavor profile and liquid component of the sauce.

• Is this recipe spicy because of red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming; you can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder taste.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, which typically takes 1-2 minutes per side.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: What Makes It Shine

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• Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for different nuts, experiment with alternative pie fillings, or add extra toppings to make the recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• Capture Versatile Comfort: Serve warm for a gooey treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert, making it adaptable to any mood or occasion without sacrificing incredible taste.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

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

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Ingredients that add sharp and spicy flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, clean flavor and green color to the final presentation.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Fats that create a rich, smooth sauce and help cook the shrimp.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice: Acidic ingredients that add brightness and depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that provides a salty, umami finish to the dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

If serving with pasta, cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside, keeping the pasta warm.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter, letting them meld together and create a golden, fragrant foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds, releasing their intense, spicy-sweet aroma without burning.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become slightly curled.

Step 5: Splash in Liquid Gold

Pour white wine and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Let the liquids simmer and create a light, tangy sauce that will coat the shrimp beautifully.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Stir in remaining butter and freshly chopped parsley. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure every morsel is glazed with the luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Place shrimp over warm pasta or alongside crusty bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Insider Advice For Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Select large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this classic scampi dish.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent watery sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level, making the recipe mild or more fiery.
• Use dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for authentic taste and depth of flavor.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.

Flavorful Twists For Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Mediterranean Shrimp Delight: Replace white wine with ouzo, add chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Coconut Curry Spin: Swap white wine for coconut milk, add curry powder and fresh cilantro, serve over jasmine rice for an Asian-inspired seafood dish.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Substitute herbs with Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers and andouille sausage for a Louisiana-inspired shrimp scampi with bold heat and flavor.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, and dill instead of parsley, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for an aromatic herb-infused seafood experience.

Perfect Sides For Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Coastal Dinner Night: Plate this zesty shrimp scampi over linguine, creating a restaurant-worthy meal with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and extra parsley for bright color and flavor.
• Quick Appetizer Elegance: Serve shrimp on toasted baguette slices as sophisticated bite-sized appetizers, perfect for cocktail parties or casual gatherings with friends.
• Mediterranean Salad Topper: Arrange shrimp over a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, creating a light protein-packed lunch that's refreshing and satisfying.
• Seafood Tapas Spread: Arrange shrimp in a small cast-iron skillet as part of a Spanish-style tapas selection, accompanied by olives and crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce.

Storing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Correctly

• Store leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to help restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Keep pasta and shrimp in separate containers to maintain optimal texture. Reheat pasta and shrimp separately to prevent soggy or rubbery results.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe offers a Mediterranean coastal charm with zesty lemon and herb-infused flavors. Succulent shrimp nestle in silky butter sauce, promising a quick, elegant dinner that transports diners straight to Italian seaside restaurants.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz linguine or pasta of choice

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat until butter melts and becomes slightly foamy.
3. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing quickly for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook approximately 1-2 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and develop a slight golden edge.
5. Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes, which concentrates the flavor and creates a light sauce.
6. Incorporate remaining butter and freshly chopped parsley, gently tossing the shrimp to ensure every piece is elegantly coated with the rich, herbaceous sauce.
7. Present the shrimp scampi atop prepared pasta or alongside crusty bread, optionally sprinkling with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory complexity.

Notes

• Prevent overcooking shrimp by watching for the pink color and slight curl, which indicates they’re perfectly done.
• Select fresh, deveined shrimp for quicker preparation and cleaner presentation.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this dish suitable for different dietary needs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg