Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a restaurant-quality dish made in under 30 minutes! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and white wine (or broth), then tossed with tender pasta for the perfect bite. Customize it with zucchini noodles for a low-carb version, make it one-pot for easy cleanup, or serve it surf & turf style with steak or lobster. Whether for a weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, this dish is a simple, versatile, and crowd-pleasing favorite! 🍋🦐✨
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – A wide, deep skillet (preferably stainless steel or nonstick) allows for even cooking and helps develop a rich sauce.
- Large Pot – For boiling the pasta (if using).
- Tongs or a Wooden Spoon – Ideal for tossing shrimp and pasta in the sauce.
- Colander – To drain pasta while reserving some pasta water.
- Zester or Microplane – For fresh lemon zest, which adds brightness to the dish.
- Garlic Press (Optional) – Speeds up mincing fresh garlic.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Citrus Juicer (Optional) – Makes squeezing fresh lemon juice easy.
- Grater – For freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For chopping parsley, garlic, and prepping shrimp.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- ½ cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra lemon wedges
- Extra chopped parsley
- Extra red pepper flakes for spice lovers
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to help thicken the sauce later.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, add remaining butter and olive oil.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon zest and fresh parsley.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Add cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it in the garlicky butter sauce.
- If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the pan, stirring gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the shrimp scampi and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately and enjoy every bite! 🍋🦐
Notes
🥡 Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead:
- You can peel and devein shrimp ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Chop garlic and parsley a day before to speed up prep.
- Pre-cook pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Reheat in the sauce.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long, as it can make them rubbery.
- Freezing is not recommended, as the butter sauce can separate and shrimp can become chewy.