Who doesn’t love a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is just that. It’s a classic dish turned easy, ready in under 30 minutes, and oh-so-satisfying. With juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and rich butter, it’s a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re treating yourself or the whole family. Ready to dive in?
Top Reasons To Make It
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s practical too! It’s a 30-minute meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. And let’s be honest, who can resist that garlicky, buttery goodness? It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
- Shrimp: The star of the show! I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for easy cooking.
- Butter: Because everything’s better with butter! It creates a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Loads of it! Freshly minced garlic is best for that pungent aroma and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the garlic and shrimp without the butter burning.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy kick that balances the richness.
- Chicken Broth: Creates a light sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a touch of heat.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a fresh, herby flavor.
Detailed measurements are listed below in the recipe card.
Instructions
- Melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn!
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. They should be firm to the touch.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it slightly thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. So good.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? You can easily adapt this recipe. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Add a squeeze of lemon zest for extra zing! Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne. Feel free to get creative with your favorite herbs, too—dill or chives would be delicious.
Cooking Tips For Perfect Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They’ll become tough and rubbery.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they brown nicely.
- Buy the best-quality shrimp you can afford—it makes a difference!
- Use a large enough skillet so the shrimp aren’t crowded and cook evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Maybe a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon.
- For a fun twist, thread the cooked shrimp onto skewers for appetizers!
Seafood Pasta Pairing Ideas
Looking to turn this Garlic Butter Shrimp into a complete seafood pasta meal? It’s perfect tossed with linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair. For a lighter touch, try it with zucchini noodles or a whole-wheat pasta. You could even add some cooked vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to the pasta for a more complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Avoid overheating, as this can make the shrimp tough. Don’t refreeze previously frozen shrimp after they are cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Shrimp Scampi ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the shrimp and sauce separately ahead of time. Combine just before serving to prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy.
What’s the difference between Shrimp Scampi and Garlic Butter Shrimp? Traditional shrimp scampi recipes often include white wine. This easy seafood version uses chicken broth for a simpler, family-friendly twist. The garlic butter is the key ingredient in both!
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Shrimp Scampi recipe is so simple, yet the flavor is so, so tender. It’s become a weeknight staple in our home. I hope it becomes one in yours too!
Print
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This garlic butter shrimp scampi is quick, light, and bursting with garlicky-lemon flavor. Made in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner nights with pasta or crusty bread!
Ingredients
▢ 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
▢ 3 tablespoons butter
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 4 cloves garlic, minced
▢ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
▢ ¼ cup chicken broth
▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
▢ Salt and black pepper, to taste
▢ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
• Great served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
• For extra richness, swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter at the end.
• Want to make it creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream after the lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, shrimp scampi, easy shrimp recipe, shrimp dinner