Quick & Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe For Seafood Fans

Culinary magic happens when garlic butter shrimp scampi dances onto your plate with irresistible charm.

Succulent seafood meets silky sauce in a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors.

Fragrant herbs and zesty lemon weave through each tender morsel, creating an experience that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Delicate shrimp absorb rich, velvety butter like eager sponges, promising a meal that sparks conversation.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum impact, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Quick preparation means you can savor this restaurant-quality dish without hours of complicated cooking.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that brings coastal elegance straight to your kitchen.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi That Feels Gourmet

• Whip Up a Gourmet Meal: This shrimp scampi transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows swapping pasta for zucchini noodles or serving over rice, making it perfect for different dietary preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal prep and cooks in just minutes, delivering a delicious meal faster than takeout with maximum flavor impact.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Succulent shrimp provides a lean protein option that appeals to seafood lovers and can satisfy both casual family dinners and special date nights.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this classic Italian-American dish.
• Pasta: A traditional base that perfectly captures and complements the garlic butter sauce.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that provide a warm, spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich fats that create a luxurious, smooth sauce with deep flavor.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice: Acidic components that add brightness and complexity to the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a light, green finish and visual appeal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a salty, umami depth to the final dish.

Cooking Shrimp Scampi to Perfection

Step 1: Boil Pasta Base

If serving with pasta, cook according to package directions.

Drain thoroughly and set aside while preparing the shrimp.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Allow the fats to meld and create a golden base for cooking.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Ingredients

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for about 60 seconds until the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma.

Step 4: Cook Succulent Seafood

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp transform to a beautiful pink color and curl slightly.

Step 5: Develop Rich Sauce

• White wine
• Fresh lemon juice

Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce, concentrating the delicious flavors for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Herbs

• Remaining butter
• Chopped parsley

Toss with prepared pasta if desired, coating each strand with the luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Serve With Final Flourish

Transfer to serving plates immediately.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an optional elegant touch.

How to Maximize Flavor in Shrimp Scampi

• Watch carefully during cooking, as shrimp turn pink and curl quickly, typically 1-2 minutes per side to maintain tender texture.
• Choose fresh, deveined shrimp with firm, translucent appearance for best flavor and texture in scampi.
• Simmer wine gently to concentrate flavors without burning, creating a balanced sauce that complements shrimp.
• Mince garlic finely and sauté briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, ensuring a rich, smooth taste.
• Modify red pepper flakes quantity to match personal heat preference, from mild to zesty kick.

Add a Twist to Shrimp Scampi Tonight

• Keto Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative, maintaining the same garlic butter and shrimp flavors while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of regular pasta, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the same delicious meal without compromising taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, dairy-free version that's equally satisfying.

Meals That Match Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Ocean's Fresh Plating: Serve over a bed of angel hair pasta, letting the garlic butter sauce drizzle beautifully across each tender shrimp.
• Zesty Appetizer Style: Arrange shrimp on small bruschetta toasts for an elegant party starter, garnishing with extra chopped parsley and a lemon wedge.
• Salad Twist: Create a light summer meal by placing sautéed shrimp atop a crisp mixed green salad with a drizzle of remaining pan sauce as dressing.
• Coastal Comfort Bowl: Combine shrimp with steamed white rice, letting the rich garlic butter sauce soak into each grain for maximum flavor impact.

Best Way to Store Shrimp Scampi Leftovers

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing pasta to prevent texture loss.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or white wine to prevent drying out.
• Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of butter or olive oil. Stir carefully to prevent overcooking the shrimp and maintain its tender texture.

FAQs

• What makes shrimp cook quickly?

Shrimp cooks rapidly because they are small and delicate, typically taking only 2-3 minutes per side. Their thin protein structure allows them to turn pink and become opaque very fast when exposed to heat.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing and prevent steaming.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn from gray/translucent to pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired garlic butter shrimp scampi delights seafood enthusiasts with its zesty flavor profile. Quick preparation meets elegant dining, promising restaurant-quality results that satisfy hungry palates at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (226 grams) linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions if serving with pasta, then set aside in a colander to drain.
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 to the pan, stirring constantly for approximately 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without browning.
4. Carefully add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and curl slightly.
5. Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, creating a light, flavorful sauce.
6. Incorporate remaining butter and chopped fresh parsley, gently swirling to create a glossy, herb-infused coating on the shrimp.
7. If desired, combine shrimp with prepared pasta, ensuring even distribution of the garlic butter sauce.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, optionally garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking Shrimp: Watch shrimp carefully since they cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long in the pan, aiming for a delicate pink color with slight curl.
• Wine Substitution: Replace white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Enhance Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make the dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the delicious garlic butter sauce intact.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking to increase nutrient density and create a more balanced meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg