Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Simple and Tasty Recipe

Ready to impress your dinner guests with a dish that’s quick and full of flavor? Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is simple to make and oh-so-delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and learn how to create this seafood delight that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich and delicious sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Versatile: Whether served over pasta or on its own, this dish can be adapted to suit your preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant plating make this dish a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is simple and fun. Here’s what you need:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
These ingredients are easy to find. The shrimp gives the dish its main flavor, while garlic adds a nice kick. The butter brings richness, and the lemon juice brightens it up. Don’t forget the parsley for a fresh touch! You can also adjust the red pepper flakes to change the spice level. If you want a heartier dish, serve it over pasta. This recipe will serve about four people and can be ready in just twenty minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta (if applicable)
– Prepare 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions.
– Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for sauce adjustments.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.
– Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cooking the Shrimp
– Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
– Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Combining Ingredients
– Pour in 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
– Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Stir gently until everything is heated through.
For a silkier sauce, stir in some reserved pasta water and toss with the cooked pasta if you’re using it. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Flavor
To make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp and garlic boost the taste. You can adjust spice levels using red pepper flakes. If you like heat, add more. If not, use less. This makes the dish fit your taste perfectly.
Presentation Tips
How you serve the dish matters. For a nice look, use a large shallow bowl. If you add pasta, twirl it with a fork for style. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and makes it pop. Your dish will be as tasty as it looks!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for common mistakes. Overcooking shrimp makes it rubbery. Cook shrimp until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful with garlic too. Burning garlic can ruin the flavor. Sauté it just until fragrant. This keeps your dish delicious and fresh.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and garlic will enhance the flavor of your scampi significantly. Avoid frozen shrimp if possible for the best taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra spice.
- Enhance the Sauce: For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine along with the chicken broth. It adds depth and a beautiful flavor profile.
Variations
Substitutions
You can switch out shrimp for other seafood. Scallops or lobster make great choices. They add unique flavors and textures. If you want a vegetarian meal, try using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish rich and tasty while being meat-free.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to pasta, linguine or spaghetti work best. But you can also try fettuccine or penne. Each type adds its own charm. For sides, garlic bread is a classic. A fresh salad pairs well too, adding crunch and brightness to the meal.
Flavor Enhancements
Add white wine to the sauce for a deeper taste. It brings out the garlic’s sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. You can also toss in vegetables. Spinach wilts beautifully, while cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts. These tweaks make the dish even more delightful.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi, first cool it down. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze garlic butter shrimp scampi, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy.
Meal Prep Ideas
For quick meals, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Peel and devein the shrimp, and chop the garlic and parsley. Store each item in separate containers. This way, cooking becomes faster. Use clear, stackable containers to save space in your fridge. This makes meal prep easy and fun!
FAQs
What can I substitute for shrimp in Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?
You can use scallops or lobster for a seafood twist. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or zucchini. Both options provide great texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?
Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is quick! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and 10 minutes cooking. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, just reheat in a skillet over low heat. You might need to add a splash of broth to keep it saucy.
What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?
A crisp white wine works best. I recommend a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. Both wines enhance the garlic and lemon flavors in the dish, making for a perfect pairing.
This blog post covered how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. We explored tasty variations and how to store leftovers. Making this dish offers great flavor and is simple to prepare. Remember, fresh ingredients can really boost your meal. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be impressing everyone with your cooking skills! Enjoy your delicious scampi, and don’t forget to have fun while cookin

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- If using linguine or spaghetti, cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the shrimp to the skillet. Add in the remaining butter and parsley, stirring gently until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is combined.
- If desired, stir in some reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce, and toss with the cooked pasta if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.