Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a classic dish that’s incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe delivers succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce that’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or even crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious flavor. It’s a weeknight dinner win that comes together in under 30 minutes!

## Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish is ready in less than 30 minutes.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates an irresistible flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread.
* **Impressive:** It looks and tastes fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Shrimp:** Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp both work well. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for that classic garlic butter flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
* **White Wine:** A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
* **Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness and a pop of color. You can also use other herbs like chives or oregano.
* **Olive Oil:** A little olive oil helps to prevent the butter from burning.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Pasta (optional):** Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are classic choices for serving with shrimp scampi. Cook according to package directions.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Garlic Press (optional)
* Measuring Spoons and Cups
* Tongs

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make the perfect garlic butter shrimp scampi:

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the pan.
* Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

**2. Cook the Garlic and Butter Sauce:**

* Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
* Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

**3. Cook the Shrimp:**

* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque and curled into a nice “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.

**4. Finish the Dish:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
* Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.

**5. Serve:**

* Serve the garlic butter shrimp over cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
* Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic is bitter. Cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully.
* **Pat the Shrimp Dry:** Drying the shrimp before cooking helps them to brown better.
* **Use Good Quality Butter:** Good quality butter will add richness and flavor to the sauce.
* **Adjust the Seasonings:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes as needed.
* **Serve Immediately:** This dish is best served immediately while the shrimp is hot and the sauce is flavorful.

## Variations and Additions

* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus along with the garlic.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Add Cherry Tomatoes:** Halved cherry tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the dish.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil.
* **Add Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving.
* **Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp:** Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier dish. Add about 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the skillet after cooking the shrimp and stir until the sauce is thickened.
* **Coconut Garlic Butter Shrimp:** Add a can of coconut milk (full-fat) to create a Thai-inspired version. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped cilantro.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter shrimp is delicious served over a variety of starches and sides. Here are a few ideas:

* **Pasta:** Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta are all great choices.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Zucchini Noodles:** For a low-carb option.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While garlic butter shrimp is best served immediately, you can prepare some components ahead of time:

* **Prepare the Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Sauce (Partially):** You can mix together the white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just heat the butter and garlic, then add the wine mixture.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

## Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
8. Serve the garlic butter shrimp over cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 (depending on serving size and additions)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g (excluding pasta/rice)

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in minutes. The combination of flavors is sure to impress, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy!

## More Shrimp Recipes to Try

If you love shrimp, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

* Shrimp Stir-Fry
* Shrimp Tacos
* Coconut Shrimp
* Grilled Shrimp Skewers
* Shrimp Boil

## Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp!