Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich aroma of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi sizzling in a hot pan. The combination of succulent shrimp, golden garlic, and a luscious butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tossed with tender pasta and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish is a true showstopper.

I first fell in love with shrimp scampi during a trip to the coast, where I had my first bite of the freshest seafood drenched in garlicky goodness. Since then, I’ve been perfecting my own version, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi has everything you need for a perfect meal: flavor, simplicity, and a touch of elegance.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. In just 20 minutes, you can have a beautifully plated meal ready to serve, making it ideal for weeknights when time is short but flavor is a priority.

Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also relies on simple, fresh ingredients. Shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon come together to create a dish that tastes far more luxurious than its humble ingredient list suggests.

Plus, it's an impressive yet foolproof dish. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta, and you've got a meal that feels special without the stress.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in its high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what makes each component essential:

Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation. Fresh or frozen both work well—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Garlic: This dish wouldn’t be the same without plenty of fresh garlic. Minced finely, it infuses the butter and olive oil with a deep, aromatic flavor that defines scampi.

Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil provides the best of both worlds—the butter gives it richness, while the olive oil helps prevent burning and adds a subtle fruitiness.

White Wine or Chicken Broth: A splash of white wine deglazes the pan and adds depth of flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth works just as well.

Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness of the butter sauce. The zest adds an extra layer of citrusy aroma.

For best results, use a large skillet to allow the shrimp to cook evenly and develop a slight sear, which enhances their natural sweetness.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is as easy as it is rewarding. Let’s walk through the simple steps to achieving the perfect dish.

Start by heating olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

Next, pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.

Now, lower the heat and stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest. Let everything melt together into a silky, flavorful sauce.

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated in that garlicky, buttery goodness. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce. This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals that still feel special.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers, you can store your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become rubbery when overheated.

Freezing is possible, but keep in mind that shrimp can lose their tender texture when frozen and reheated. If you must freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. It gives the dish a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce.

Want to make it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a rich, velvety sauce that clings to the shrimp and pasta.

For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. This way, you still enjoy all the flavors without the extra carbs.

Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works just as well with scallops or chicken, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers and non-seafood eaters alike.

Whichever way you choose to make it, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Experiment with flavors, make it your own, and most importantly—enjoy every bite!

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