The Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Seafood Lovers

My latest culinary adventure with garlic butter shrimp scampi promises an explosion of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent prawns nestle into a luxurious sauce crafted from golden butter and fragrant herbs.

Coastal kitchens inspired this classic dish that takes mere minutes to prepare.

Each tender morsel carries intense notes of roasted garlic and bright citrus undertones.

butter melts into a silky embrace, coating each delicate shrimp with irresistible richness.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this recipe connects you to generations of seafood traditions.

Savor every forkful and let these Mediterranean-inspired bites transport you to sun-drenched coastal towns.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: A Flavor Explosion

• Craft a Gourmet Meal: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complex techniques, making you feel like a professional chef at home.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in just minutes, perfect for busy families needing a fast and satisfying dinner solution that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or serving with different sides, giving you complete culinary creativity and flexibility.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, buttery flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients That Make Shrimp Scampi So Irresistible

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

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Fragrant seasonings that add deep, spicy flavor to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, green note to the final presentation.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich, flavorful fats that create a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• White Wine, Chicken Broth: Acidic liquid that helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Citrus element that provides a tangy brightness to balance the rich butter.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and sauce.

Detailed Instructions for Cooking Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

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

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Watch for the butter to melt and blend with the oil.

Step 3: Ignite Aromatic Layers

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrance.

Step 4: Cook Succulent Seafood

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl slightly.

Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 5: Build Liquid Depth

• White wine (or chicken broth)
• Lemon juice

Let the liquid simmer for 2 minutes, creating a rich base.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

• Remaining butter
• Fresh parsley

Return shrimp to the pan and toss until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over pasta or alongside crusty bread.

Enjoy immediately while hot and flavorful.

Tips to Achieve the Ideal Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they get a perfect golden sear and don't release excess water.
• Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor, mincing it finely to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
• Select medium or large shrimp for the best texture and to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version, maintaining the same depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Add extra red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick, adjusting to your personal heat tolerance.

Flavorful Twists to Customize Your Shrimp Scampi Dish

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or serve shrimp over a bed of sautéed spinach for reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of white wine for allergen-friendly preparation.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne powder for extra heat, and incorporate diced jalapeños for a fiery flavor profile.

What to Serve Alongside Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Coastal Dinner Party Elegance: Arrange shrimp scampi on a large white platter, garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, and serve alongside crisp white wine for a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
• Rustic Bread Dipping Delight: Transfer shrimp and sauce to a shallow ceramic dish, place warm crusty bread slices around the edges, encouraging guests to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce with each bite.
• Quick Lunch Bowl Creation: Layer cooked pasta or quinoa at the bottom of individual bowls, top with garlic butter shrimp, sprinkle extra parsley, and add a wedge of lemon for a fresh, colorful midday meal.

Best Practices for Storing Shrimp Scampi to Maintain Freshness

• Store leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep pasta and shrimp separate to prevent soggy texture when reheating.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use a sealed container to maintain freshness.

FAQs

• What type of wine works best for this recipe?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are perfect for shrimp scampi, adding bright acidity and complementing the seafood’s delicate flavor.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking and pat dry to ensure proper searing and prevent excess water in the pan.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version if you prefer less spice.

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp scampi brings Mediterranean flavors to home kitchens with elegant simplicity. Coastal Italian influences shine through in this quick, flavorful dish that promises restaurant-quality results without complex techniques.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine or spaghetti (optional)

Fats and Oils:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta as directed on package if serving alongside the dish, then set aside.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat until butter melts completely.
3. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring rapidly for about 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Add seasoned shrimp to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook approximately 1-2 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color.
5. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their perfect texture.
6. Deglaze the pan with white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for roughly 2 minutes.
7. Incorporate remaining butter and chopped parsley into the pan, creating a luxurious sauce.
8. Return shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is generously coated with the garlic-herb butter sauce.
9. Plate immediately over prepared pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delectable sauce.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Control heat carefully to avoid overcooking shrimp, which can become rubbery and tough.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 252 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg