Introduction
When it comes to quick yet elegant meals, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is always a winner. This dish is bursting with flavor from the perfect combination of tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, a splash of white wine, and a hint of lemon. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner for two or serving it at a gathering, this garlic butter shrimp scampi is sure to impress.
I first fell in love with shrimp scampi during a visit to an Italian-American restaurant. The savory aroma of garlic and butter wafted through the air as I took my first bite, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I had to recreate it at home. Over time, I perfected my version of this classic dish, using fresh ingredients and a light touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each element complements the other to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor without requiring hours of preparation.
Not only does garlic butter shrimp scampi deliver bold and tangy flavors, but it also comes together in just 20-25 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this deliciously buttery, garlicky dish from scratch!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi (Serves 4)
To make this garlic butter shrimp scampi, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (you can also use gluten-free pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided (for richness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the shrimp)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is key to great flavor)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested (for a burst of fresh citrus flavor)
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and a touch of color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions: How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes during this step. This will infuse the butter with garlic flavor and a gentle spice.
Next, add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. These bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Shrimp and Pasta
Once the wine has reduced, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, along with the lemon juice and zest. Stir everything together so the shrimp are coated in the rich, buttery sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy pasta water will also help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Give everything a final toss and taste, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the garlic butter shrimp scampi immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for an additional burst of citrus flavor.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—about 1-2 minutes per side is all you need. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.
- Use Fresh Garlic: The garlic in this recipe is essential for the flavor. Fresh garlic gives the dish a more aromatic and intense flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
- Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: You can add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in with the shrimp for a colorful and well-rounded dish.
- Make It Spicy: If you like some heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Garlic Butter Scallops Scampi: Swap the shrimp for scallops for a more luxurious twist. The cooking time will be similar to shrimp, so keep a close eye on them.
- Lobster Garlic Butter Scampi: If you want to make this dish even more decadent, swap shrimp for lobster tails. Lobster adds a sweet and buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic butter.
- Vegan Garlic Butter Scampi: For a plant-based version, use vegan butter and vegan shrimp or tofu in place of the shrimp. Follow the same recipe, and you’ll still get that rich, garlicky flavor.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: If you love spice, double the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce. This will kick the heat up a notch and make the dish even more exciting.
- Gluten-Free Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Swap out the pasta for gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Garlic Bread: No shrimp scampi meal is complete without garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a perfect contrast to the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Try a mix of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing, crisp side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or brussels sprouts are excellent options to balance out the rich, buttery shrimp and add more texture to your meal.
- White Wine: Pair your garlic butter shrimp scampi with a crisp, chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine complements the richness of the shrimp and sauce beautifully.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Garlic butter shrimp scampi is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon creates a dish that feels both decadent and fresh. It’s the perfect meal to impress guests, treat your family, or enjoy on a weeknight when you want something special but don’t have the time for a long cooking session.
With only a few simple ingredients, this dish delivers incredible flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something delicious, garlic butter shrimp scampi will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.