Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter is a quick and flavorful seafood dinner made with tender shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, and fresh herbs. It is easy enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough for a special dinner at home.
The shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Serve them over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful meal made with juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, and simple seasonings. It is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or an easy seafood meal.
If you love quick seafood recipes, try our Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
- 8 oz cooked pasta or crusty bread, optional
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 1 minute.
4. Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently in the garlic butter sauce until well coated.
Serve immediately with pasta, rice, vegetables, or crusty bread. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they brown instead of steaming.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be just opaque and tender.
- Fresh garlic and lemon give the sauce the best flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
- Serve immediately while the shrimp and sauce are hot.
What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is especially delicious with angel hair or spaghetti pasta. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, rice, or warm crusty bread.
If you want a lighter meal, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or alongside a fresh green salad.
Easy Variations
For a richer sauce, add a splash of dry white wine before adding the lemon juice. Let it simmer briefly to reduce. You can also add a little Parmesan when serving it with pasta.
For extra vegetables, add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced bell peppers to the skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they become opaque and firm and curl into a loose C shape. Avoid cooking them until they form a tight O shape, as they may become overcooked.
Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
It is best served immediately because shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. You can, however, prepare the ingredients ahead of time so the dish comes together quickly.
Tips
- Don't overcook the shrimp or they can become rubbery.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter is a simple, restaurant-style seafood dinner that comes together in minutes. Tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, butter, lemon, and fresh parsley create a bright and savory sauce that is perfect with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
It is an easy recipe to keep on hand whenever you want a quick seafood meal that feels special without requiring complicated ingredients.