BEST GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP SCAMPI

I can still picture my Aunt Carol bustling around her tiny kitchen, Frank Sinatra crooning from the radio, as she whipped up her famous Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – a dish that always felt like a special occasion, even on a Tuesday. The aroma alone was pure magic, a promise of buttery, garlicky goodness that always brought everyone to the table with a smile. Today, I’m going to share all her secrets so you can create the same delicious experience at home, and trust me, you’ll nail it!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Your New Weeknight Hero

Okay, let’s be honest, the name “Shrimp Scampi” sounds fancy, right? But don’t let it intimidate you! This is actually one of the easiest, fastest, and most impressive meals you can make. Think of it as the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor – succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?

What Makes This Shrimp Scampi So Good?

It all comes down to a few key elements:

• High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (thawed properly!), the quality of your shrimp will make or break this dish. Look for plump, firm shrimp with a good color.
• Generous Garlic: This isn’t the time to be shy! Garlic is the star of the show, so don’t skimp.
• Real Butter: Please, please, please use real butter! It provides a richness and depth of flavor that margarine simply can’t match.
• A Touch of Acidity: Lemon juice or dry white wine brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the butter.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and/or chives add a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, six!)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta, for serving (linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair are all great choices)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, let’s get down to business. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi on your table in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp

If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure it’s fully thawed. The best way to thaw shrimp is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it under cold running water, but be sure to pat it dry thoroughly before cooking.

Patting the shrimp dry is crucial! Excess moisture will prevent the shrimp from browning properly and can make your sauce watery.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. This is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine (or Broth)

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds tons of flavor to the sauce. The alcohol in the wine will evaporate, leaving behind a delicious, concentrated flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery, so keep a close eye on them!

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve immediately over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge, if desired.

Tips for Shrimp Scampi Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is absolutely perfect:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most important tip! Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet allows the shrimp to cook evenly without overcrowding. If you don’t have a large skillet, cook the shrimp in batches.
• Adjust the Garlic to Your Liking: I love garlic, so I use a lot! But if you’re not a huge fan, feel free to reduce the amount.
• Add a Splash of Cream: For an extra-rich and decadent sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Use Different Herbs: Try using fresh basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for a cheesy twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few complementary side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that amazing sauce, of course!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scampi.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.
• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

While Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. You can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it focuses on simplicity and quality ingredients. By using fresh, flavorful ingredients and following the simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. The key is to not overcook the shrimp and to use plenty of garlic and butter!

The balance of flavors – the richness of the butter, the pungency of the garlic, and the brightness of the lemon juice – creates a symphony of taste that’s sure to please. Plus, it’s a dish that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a special occasion treat.

If you’re in the mood for more Italian-inspired seafood dishes, why not try making Lobster Ravioli In Cream Sauce for a truly indulgent experience? Or if you want to stick with pasta, Shrimp Scampi Linguine is another fantastic option. For something a little different, consider Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – it’s guaranteed to impress! And for a creamy, comforting pasta dish, you can’t go wrong with Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine.

If you’re craving something without the seafood, Pasta Carbonara is a classic for a reason. Alternatively, for a lighter vegetarian option, you can’t go wrong with a classic Tomato Basil Pasta.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe, ready for you to print or save!

Ingredients:

	
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
	
6 tablespoons butter, divided
	
6 cloves garlic, minced
	
1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
	
2 tablespoons lemon juice
	
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
	
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
	
Salt and pepper to taste
	
Cooked pasta, for serving


Instructions:

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine (or broth) and simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
8. Serve immediately over cooked pasta.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my Aunt Carol’s secret recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, shared with you, my friend! I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

BEST Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is a quick and easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Serve over pasta for a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cooked pasta, for serving

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Pasta pot
• Colander

Method

 

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
3. Pour in the white wine (or broth) and simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
8. Serve immediately over cooked pasta and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp for best results. Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding. Adjust the garlic amount to your preference. For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.