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Delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi served in a bowl

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A quick and decadent dish featuring plump shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb shrimp Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Creates a rich, creamy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic Mince for best flavor
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth Alternatively use white wine for more acidity
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed for brightness
  • Salt salt To taste
  • Black pepper black pepper To taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chopped for garnish
  • optional serving cooked pasta Great for soaking up the sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out.
  2. If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them, ensuring they are clean.
  3. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
  4. Prepare your pasta if you’re serving it with the scampi.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Once the butter is foamy, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque.
  5. If using wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Then, add the chicken broth and lemon juice.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently until everything is well coated.
Serving
  1. If serving over pasta, toss the cooked pasta in the skillet just before plating.
  2. Transfer the shrimp scampi to plates or serving bowls.
  3. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
  4. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!

Notes

For best results, don’t overcook the shrimp, keep the heat medium to avoid burning the garlic, and feel free to adjust the spice level.