Description

Shrimp Scampi is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with lemon and fresh herbs. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers restaurant-quality taste using simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights and versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

1 lb medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Serving (optional)

8 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Peel and devein fresh or thawed shrimp if needed. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely when cooked.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook about 2 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Add Lemon and Wine: Pour in fresh lemon juice and dry white wine if desired. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
Finish with Parsley: Remove the pan from heat and stir in chopped parsley, tossing to coat the shrimp and sauce evenly.
Combine and Serve: If serving with pasta, toss the cooked noodles directly into the skillet to coat with shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately with optional garnishes.

Notes

Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
Do not overcook shrimp; they should turn just pink and opaque to remain tender.
Choose high-quality butter and olive oil for a richer sauce.
Use fresh garlic and lemon to enhance brightness and aroma.
Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness from burning.
Simmer the sauce lightly to concentrate flavors without overpowering the shrimp.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe without pasta)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 195 mg

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, garlic butter shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner, seafood pasta, lemon shrimp, weeknight meals