Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a bright lemon finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked linguine or spaghetti for serving
Instructions
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw overnight in the fridge or under cold running water for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Finely mince the garlic and roughly chop the fresh parsley. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let the butter melt and foam slightly.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on one side without moving them, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Pour in 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and fresh lemon juice. Swirl the pan gently until the butter melts and the sauce is glossy and smooth.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming. Use medium heat to prevent garlic from burning. Add butter in two stages for a richer sauce. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if necessary. Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth to add depth of flavor. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently to avoid tough shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 25
Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight dinner, garlic shrimp, seafood recipe