Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Quick and Tasty Recipe

ByLayla January 12, 2025October 15, 2025

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To make garlic butter shrimp scampi, you will need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start with large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. The butter and olive oil give the dish a rich flavor, while the minced garlic adds a lovely aroma. Red pepper flakes bring heat, but you can adjust the amount to fit your taste. The lemon zest and juice add a bright, fresh flavor to balance the richness of the dish. For the base, I like using linguine or spaghetti, which holds the sauce well. The chicken broth adds depth and moisture to the sauce. Finally, garnishing with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch to your plate. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious meal that shines in flavor and presentation! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook linguine or spaghetti to al dente, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and stir. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Taste a strand a minute before the time is up. It should be firm yet tender. When done, drain the pasta. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta later. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the butter melts, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Stir and watch carefully. Garlic can burn fast and become bitter. After about 1-2 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. They should become fully opaque. That means they are done! Pour in 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and the juice of 1 lemon. Use a spatula to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This step builds flavor in your sauce. Now it’s time to mix everything. Add the cooked pasta, the reserved pasta water, and the lemon zest to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add more reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the perfect consistency. Serve the dish in a large pasta bowl for a lovely look. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color. If you like, add grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich flavor. You can also serve lemon wedges on the side. They make a nice touch and add freshness. Enjoy your beautiful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! - Best practices for cooking shrimp: Always use fresh, large shrimp. They cook fast and taste great. Ensure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and keeps your dish neat. Cook shrimp in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. This shows they are done. - Adjusting flavors to personal preference: Taste your dish as you cook. If you like more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a touch of brightness, add more lemon juice. You can also play with the salt and pepper. Everyone has a unique taste, so make it yours! - Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. If you leave it too long, it becomes tough. Watch the color change closely. Once they are pink and firm, pull them off the heat. - Not reserving enough pasta water: Pasta water is your secret weapon. It has starch that helps sauce stick to the pasta. Always reserve at least half a cup before draining. This will make your dish creamy and rich. - Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop garlic and parsley before you start cooking. This saves time and keeps the flow going in the kitchen. Measure out your olive oil and butter. This way, you can focus on cooking. - Efficient use of kitchen tools: Use a large skillet to cook everything at once. It helps in mixing flavors well. A good pair of tongs helps in flipping shrimp easily. Keep your tools handy for smooth cooking. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy shrimp that is still in the shell and devein them yourself. Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Use Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Add it gradually until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor. Consider adding other herbs like basil or dill for an extra layer of taste. {{image_2}} You can add fresh herbs to your shrimp scampi. Basil and thyme work great. Chop them finely and toss them in when cooking the shrimp. This adds bright, fresh flavors. You can also infuse the butter with herbs. Just add them to the melted butter before cooking the garlic. This method gives your dish a deeper taste. Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes. You can also try cayenne pepper for a kick. If you like a different flavor, consider using chili oil. For sauces, try a splash of white wine or a touch of cream. Both can add richness to the dish. You don’t have to stick with linguine or spaghetti. Zoodles, made from zucchini, are a great low-carb choice. You can also use penne or fettuccine for a different texture. For a healthy twist, serve the shrimp with sautéed veggies like asparagus or bell peppers. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce too. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps avoid any odors from other foods. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing it. It’s best to eat it within three days for optimal taste. When reheating, use low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the shrimp moist and tasty. Stir occasionally until heated through. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently using a skillet to maintain flavor and texture. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Cooked shrimp will curl slightly. You can also cut one open. If it’s white inside, it’s done. Usually, cooking takes 4 to 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Yes! You can skip the pasta for a low-carb meal. Serve the shrimp over sautéed veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice. Both options keep the dish light and flavorful. Common herbs that pair well include parsley, basil, and thyme. Fresh parsley adds brightness. Basil gives a sweet touch, while thyme provides depth. You can mix and match these herbs for a unique flavor. Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking. This helps get a good sear and keeps the dish from being watery. To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce. For a different flavor, try jalapeños or crushed chili peppers. Start with a little and taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a simple and tasty dish worth making. You learned the key ingredients, from shrimp to seasonings. You now know how to cook and combine everything. Remember to adjust flavors to fit your taste. Use fresh ingredients for the best results. With the right tips, your scampi will impress. Store leftovers carefully and reheat without overcooking. Have fun experimenting with variations. Enjoy this delicious meal that’s easy for everyone!$

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is perfect for you! With just a few main ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s both rich in flavor and simple to prepare. I’ll guide you step-by-step through cooking fresh shrimp bathed in buttery garlic sauce, ready in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon creates a rich and vibrant sauce that elevates the shrimp and pasta.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes or add in your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it in a large bowl garnished with parsley and lemon wedges for a beautiful dish that looks gourmet!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 tablespoons olive oil

Flavor Enhancers

– 5 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Additional Ingredients

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

– 8 oz linguine or spaghetti

– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

To make garlic butter shrimp scampi, you will need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start with large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. The butter and olive oil give the dish a rich flavor, while the minced garlic adds a lovely aroma.

Red pepper flakes bring heat, but you can adjust the amount to fit your taste. The lemon zest and juice add a bright, fresh flavor to balance the richness of the dish.

For the base, I like using linguine or spaghetti, which holds the sauce well. The chicken broth adds depth and moisture to the sauce. Finally, garnishing with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch to your plate.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious meal that shines in flavor and presentation!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To cook linguine or spaghetti to al dente, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and stir. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Taste a strand a minute before the time is up. It should be firm yet tender. When done, drain the pasta. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta later.

Sautéing the Garlic

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the butter melts, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Stir and watch carefully. Garlic can burn fast and become bitter. After about 1-2 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste.

Cooking the Shrimp

Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. They should become fully opaque. That means they are done!

Making the Sauce

Pour in 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and the juice of 1 lemon. Use a spatula to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This step builds flavor in your sauce.

Combining All Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix everything. Add the cooked pasta, the reserved pasta water, and the lemon zest to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add more reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dish in a large pasta bowl for a lovely look. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color. If you like, add grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich flavor. You can also serve lemon wedges on the side. They make a nice touch and add freshness. Enjoy your beautiful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

– Best practices for cooking shrimp: Always use fresh, large shrimp. They cook fast and taste great. Ensure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and keeps your dish neat. Cook shrimp in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. This shows they are done.

– Adjusting flavors to personal preference: Taste your dish as you cook. If you like more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a touch of brightness, add more lemon juice. You can also play with the salt and pepper. Everyone has a unique taste, so make it yours!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. If you leave it too long, it becomes tough. Watch the color change closely. Once they are pink and firm, pull them off the heat.

– Not reserving enough pasta water: Pasta water is your secret weapon. It has starch that helps sauce stick to the pasta. Always reserve at least half a cup before draining. This will make your dish creamy and rich.

Quick Prep Tips

– Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop garlic and parsley before you start cooking. This saves time and keeps the flow going in the kitchen. Measure out your olive oil and butter. This way, you can focus on cooking.

– Efficient use of kitchen tools: Use a large skillet to cook everything at once. It helps in mixing flavors well. A good pair of tongs helps in flipping shrimp easily. Keep your tools handy for smooth cooking.

Pro Tips

Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy shrimp that is still in the shell and devein them yourself.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
Use Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Add it gradually until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor. Consider adding other herbs like basil or dill for an extra layer of taste.

Variations

Herb-infused Shrimp Scampi

You can add fresh herbs to your shrimp scampi. Basil and thyme work great. Chop them finely and toss them in when cooking the shrimp. This adds bright, fresh flavors. You can also infuse the butter with herbs. Just add them to the melted butter before cooking the garlic. This method gives your dish a deeper taste.

Spice It Up

Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes. You can also try cayenne pepper for a kick. If you like a different flavor, consider using chili oil. For sauces, try a splash of white wine or a touch of cream. Both can add richness to the dish.

Serving Alternatives

You don’t have to stick with linguine or spaghetti. Zoodles, made from zucchini, are a great low-carb choice. You can also use penne or fettuccine for a different texture. For a healthy twist, serve the shrimp with sautéed veggies like asparagus or bell peppers. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce too.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps avoid any odors from other foods. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing it. It’s best to eat it within three days for optimal taste.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, use low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the shrimp moist and tasty. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently using a skillet to maintain flavor and texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp is done cooking?

Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Cooked shrimp will curl slightly. You can also cut one open. If it’s white inside, it’s done. Usually, cooking takes 4 to 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Can I make this recipe without pasta?

Yes! You can skip the pasta for a low-carb meal. Serve the shrimp over sautéed veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice. Both options keep the dish light and flavorful.

What herbs can I use for added flavor in shrimp scampi?

Common herbs that pair well include parsley, basil, and thyme. Fresh parsley adds brightness. Basil gives a sweet touch, while thyme provides depth. You can mix and match these herbs for a unique flavor.

Is it possible to use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking. This helps get a good sear and keeps the dish from being watery.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce. For a different flavor, try jalapeños or crushed chili peppers. Start with a little and taste as you go to find your perfect heat level.

Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a simple and tasty dish worth making. You learned the key ingredients, from shrimp to seasonings. You now know how to cook and combine everything. Remember to adjust flavors to fit your taste. Use fresh ingredients for the best results. With the right tips, your scampi will impress. Store leftovers carefully and reheat without overcooking. Have fun experimenting with variations. Enjoy this delicious meal that’s easy for everyon