Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Tangy Seafood Gem

Succulent garlic butter shrimp scampi dances on the edge of culinary perfection, promising a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Shells gleam with golden butter and aromatic herbs.

Tender prawns nestle in a silky sauce that whispers of coastal kitchens.

Fragrant garlic infuses each delicate morsel with rich, complex flavors.

Elegant yet simple, this dish brings restaurant-quality magic to your home kitchen.

Salt and lemon brighten the entire composition with zesty undertones.

I promise you’ll fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible seafood sensation.

Ingredients To Grab For Shrimp Scampi Night

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this delicious scampi dish.
• Pasta: The perfect base for capturing the flavorful sauce and complementing the shrimp.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a spicy and intense flavor foundation for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the shrimp and sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the final dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich, silky base for cooking and developing deep flavors.
• White Wine (or Chicken Broth): Adds depth and creates a light, flavorful sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish to the completed dish.

Cooking Steps For Perfect Garlic Butter Scampi

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta following the package guidelines.

Once fully cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Warm Cooking Pan

Place a large skillet on the stove and turn heat to medium.

Pour olive oil and add butter, letting them melt and combine smoothly.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

Sprinkle minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the pan.

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrance.

Step 4: Cook Seafood

Add shrimp to the skillet.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turns a beautiful pink color.

Remove shrimp from pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 5: Build Sauce

Pour white wine and fresh lemon juice into the skillet.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce for approximately 2 minutes, creating a light and tangy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Return shrimp to the pan.

Add remaining butter and chopped parsley.

Gently toss everything together.

Step 7: Mix Pasta

Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

Stir until pasta is completely coated with the garlic butter sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to serving plates.

Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Serve immediately while warm.

Tips For Bold Garlic Shrimp Scampi Flavor

• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking.
• Use fresh garlic and crush it right before cooking to maximize its aromatic qualities.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version without compromising taste.
• Reserve some pasta water to help sauce cling better to noodles if the mixture seems dry.
• Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.

Fresh Variations On Shrimp Scampi Recipes

• Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Swap white wine for dark beer and add Cajun seasoning to transform the recipe into a bold, Southern-style seafood experience with extra heat.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan, add chopped kalamata olives, and substitute olive oil with a touch of Greek-style oregano-infused oil for a Mediterranean flair.
• Vegan Ocean Option: Replace shrimp with king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, use plant-based butter, and swap white wine for vegetable broth to create a satisfying plant-based version of the classic dish.

Presenting Shrimp Scampi For A Special Night

• Coastal Dinner Party: Host a Mediterranean-inspired evening with crisp white wine, fresh bread, and this elegant shrimp scampi as the star dish.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the garlic butter sauce with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Plate the pasta in a wide, shallow bowl, artfully arrange shrimp on top, sprinkle fresh parsley, and add a lemon wedge for a professional touch.
• Quick Weeknight Twist: Transform leftovers into a refreshing cold pasta salad by chilling the dish and adding diced cucumber and extra herbs the next day.

Shrimp Scampi Storage To Keep Flavors Bright

• Transfer leftover shrimp scampi to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain pasta texture.
• Warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to restore moisture. Gently stir for 3-4 minutes until heated through, preventing overcooking of shrimp.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.

• Is white wine necessary for the recipe?

No, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth or even water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The key is to create a flavorful liquid base.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your preference.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – Reasons To Swoon

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delectable shrimp scampi in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty garlic, tangy lemon, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering taste experience that will excite your taste buds.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different preferences, this dish works great for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or casual weeknight meals that everyone will love.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with this simple skillet recipe that combines all ingredients seamlessly, making cooking and washing up a breeze for home chefs of all skill levels.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp scampi dances with Mediterranean flavors, inviting pasta lovers into a world of zesty seafood delight. Creamy, herb-infused sauce and perfectly seared shrimp promise a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly craft at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine or spaghetti

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, combining olive oil and butter until melted and slightly bubbling.
3. Infuse the oil with minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring quickly for approximately 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and achieve a slight curl.
5. Carefully remove shrimp from pan and set aside on a clean plate.
6. Deglaze the skillet by pouring white wine or chicken broth with fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes.
7. Reintroduce shrimp to the pan, gently coating with the reduced sauce and remaining butter.
8. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley throughout the mixture for added brightness.
9. Incorporate cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution.
10. Transfer to serving plates, optionally garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly cooked shrimp by avoiding overcrowding in the skillet, ensuring each piece gets direct heat and browns beautifully.
• Swap white wine with low-sodium chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or reduce them for a milder taste, allowing personalization of heat level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg