Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

There’s something magical about a perfect easy shrimp scampi that makes even a regular weeknight feel special. The first time I made this dish, I was shocked at how quickly it came together – just a handful of simple ingredients creating something that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant! My husband David cleaned his plate in minutes, and even my picky eater Sophia asked for seconds (which almost never happens with seafood).

I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and I’m excited to share my foolproof method with you. The secret is in the garlic butter sauce it’s rich and flavorful without overpowering the delicate shrimp. Check out my air fryer shrimp for another quick seafood option!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Scampi

Quick cooking time Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights
Restaurant-quality results Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for beginners
Versatile serving options Enjoy as an appetizer, over pasta, or with crusty bread for soaking up that amazing sauce

This garlic butter shrimp recipe has become one of my family’s most requested meals. I love how the succulent shrimp bathe in that silky sauce with just the right amount of garlic and lemon. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi

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▢ 1 pound uncooked extra large (26-30/lb. size) shrimp, thawed & peeled, tails optional
▢ 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), divided
▢ 6 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
▢ 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
▢ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
▢ Salt & pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Shrimp: The star of this simple scampi recipe! I recommend using extra large shrimp (26-30 per pound) for the best texture and presentation. You can save time by buying them already peeled and deveined.

Butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, reduce any additional salt you add.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but you can use minced garlic from a jar in a pinch. I always keep some on hand for busy nights.

White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth for a still-delicious result.

Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for that bright citrus flavor that makes lemon garlic shrimp so special!

How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi

Making shrimp scampi is simpler than you might think. The key is having everything prepped before you start cooking since the process moves quickly.

Prep your shrimp: If frozen, thaw by placing in a colander and running under cool water. Peel and devein if needed. Pat dry with paper towels.
Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly.

Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes

Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side. They should just start to turn pink and curl slightly. I use cooking tongs to flip them quickly.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Pour in the wine or broth and let it bubble for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Finish the sauce by adding the remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Once the butter melts, give everything a good stir and take the pan off the heat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

The whole cooking process takes less than 10 minutes once your ingredients are prepped. It’s one of my favorite quick seafood dinners when I need something impressive with minimal effort.

Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

After making this countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a big difference:

Don’t overcook the shrimp They continue cooking slightly after being removed from heat
Prep everything before starting This 30-minute seafood meal moves fast once you begin cooking
Pat shrimp dry This ensures they sear rather than steam when they hit the pan
Use a large enough pan Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing

Best Easy Shrimp Scampi for Weeknight Dinners

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi

The beautiful thing about this easy shrimp recipe is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Over linguine or angel hair pasta
With crusty bread for dipping in that amazing butter sauce for shrimp
Alongside roasted asparagus or a simple green salad
As an appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing

Storing and Reheating Leftover Shrimp Scampi

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can still be delicious if stored properly:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through
Avoid microwaving: This can make the shrimp tough and rubbery

I rarely have leftovers though – my family can take down a full batch in one sitting!

Recipe Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations on this Italian shrimp dish:

Add vegetables: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach during the last minute of cooking
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream after removing from heat
Lemon lovers: Add some lemon zest along with the juice for extra citrus flavor
Herbaceous: Try fresh basil or dill instead of (or in addition to) the parsley

Simple Shrimp Scampi with White Wine Sauce

FAQs About Shrimp Scampi

What do you put in shrimp scampi?

This shrimp scampi recipe includes large shrimp, butter, minced garlic, optional red pepper flakes, dry white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. The combination creates a perfect balance of flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Can you use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?

Yes! This recipe specifically mentions using frozen shrimp that have been thawed. Simply run frozen shrimp under cool water in a colander until thawed before preparing. I actually prefer buying frozen shrimp since they’re typically frozen right after catching, preserving their freshness.

What herbs are good in shrimp scampi?

Fresh parsley is the classic herb used in this shrimp scampi recipe. It adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the garlic and lemon perfectly. You can also experiment with fresh basil, chives, or dill for different flavor profiles.

Should you eat shrimp scampi with the tails on or off?

This recipe notes that tails are optional. Leaving tails on adds flavor and presentation appeal, but removing them makes the dish easier to eat. In my house, I usually remove them for family dinners but leave them on when entertaining guests for that restaurant-style look.

You Might Also Like These Recipes

If you enjoyed this easy shrimp scampi, check out these other delicious recipes from my kitchen:

Air Fryer Salmon Bites Another quick and delicious seafood option
Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe For when you want something a bit fancier
Easy Shrimp Casserole Recipe Perfect for feeding a crowd

I hope you enjoy this easy shrimp scampi recipe as much as my family does! It’s become one of our go-to meals when I want something special without a lot of fuss. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Happy cooking!

Iris

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