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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

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⭐ Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Quick & easy – ready in 20 minutes
✔️ Bursting with garlic, lemon, and buttery flavor
✔️ Perfect over pasta, rice, or zoodles
✔️ Elegant enough for date night, easy enough for weeknights

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra citrus pop)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 8 oz angel hair or linguine (optional, if serving with pasta)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔸 Step 1: Cook the Pasta (if using)

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

🔸 Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

  1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

🔸 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
  2. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

🔸 Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Return shrimp to the pan and toss in the sauce to coat.
  2. Add cooked pasta if using, and toss to combine.
  3. Stir in parsley and lemon zest (if using).

✨ Garnish & Enjoy!

  1. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges, Parmesan, and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

🥗 Serving Suggestions:

  • Over angel hair pasta, zoodles, or rice
  • With a side of steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a fresh salad
  • As a low-carb entrée with extra lemon butter sauce

❄️ Storage & Reheat:

  • Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 2 days
  • Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet (avoid overcooking the shrimp)
  • Not ideal for freezing (shrimp texture changes)

❓ FAQs

What can I use instead of wine?
Use chicken broth + a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter or more olive oil instead of butter.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely — just thaw, pat dry, and use as directed.

What pasta works best?
Angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti are great choices for scampi.

💡 Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is simple, fast, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish never fails to impress. It’s buttery, garlicky, lemony, and totally delicious. 🍋🧄🍤

Want a creamy version, zucchini noodle twist, or spicy Cajun scampi next? Let me know!