If you love the irresistible combination of buttery richness, garlicky punch, and bright citrus notes, then you are absolutely going to adore this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe. This dish takes succulent, juicy shrimp and elevates them with a luscious sauce made from garlic, butter, and a splash of white wine, all finished off with fresh lemon and parsley. It is a timeless classic that feels fancy yet comes together so effortlessly, making it a go-to for weeknights or special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl in the center holds raw gray shrimp with tails, layered unevenly. Surrounding this are eight white and clear small bowls arranged in a loose circle on a white marbled surface. Clockwise from top left, the bowls contain a pale yellow liquid, finely chopped light yellow garlic, red pepper flakes in a small clear bowl, pale yellow butter cubes, a small bowl with white salt and black pepper, chopped green parsley, a golden liquid, and yellow lemon zest. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating this perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of the shrimp to the fragrant garlic that builds depth, with butter and olive oil creating a silky base, while lemon and parsley add fresh brightness and color.

Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Big shrimp have the best bite and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a fruity richness and helps cook the shrimp evenly without sticking.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Butter provides the luscious, creamy texture and rich flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star for bold, aromatic intensity that wakes up the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint of heat to balance the buttery smoothness.
Dry white wine or chicken broth (½ cup): Adds acidity and depth, with wine bringing that classic scampi flair.
Lemon (1, zested and juiced): Citrus brightness that lifts the richness and adds freshness.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a pop of green color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp

Start by making sure your shrimp are fully peeled and deveined. This prep ensures a clean, tender bite and helps the marinade and sauce cling perfectly. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so they sear beautifully in the pan instead of steaming.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This step creates a fragrant base that will infuse every bite with a hint of warmth and savory garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, cooking 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden. Flip them and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until just opaque—overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine and Add Lemon

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version) to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice and zest to brighten and balance the rich flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Butter, Salt, and Parsley

Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the remaining butter until melted and the sauce is silky. Season with kosher salt to taste and sprinkle in fresh parsley for that burst of color and herbal freshness that makes this dish shine.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

A white round pan filled with one layer of cooked shrimp arranged close to each other, showing a mix of pink and light orange colors with a glossy texture and some white areas on the shrimp, all with tails intact, sitting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side instantly elevates the presentation and adds fresh finishing touches that invite your guests to add more citrus brightness if they like. A dash of freshly ground black pepper can also amp up the flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs wonderfully with al dente pasta to soak up the luscious sauce or a side of crusty bread perfect for mopping up every last bit. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, serve the shrimp on a bed of creamy risotto or lemon-infused quinoa. You can also skewer the shrimp for a fun appetizer style or tuck them atop grilled polenta rounds to impress guests at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the shrimp tender, avoid letting the sauce sit too long before storing, and always cool completely before sealing.

Freezing

While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent the butter from separating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce and keep the shrimp from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and the sauce clings well.

What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer not to use wine, a good-quality chicken broth or vegetable broth works perfectly and maintains the depth of flavor without the alcohol.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe uses only a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes, so the heat is very mild and subtle, providing a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming spiciness.

Can I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This naturally gluten-free recipe is safe as is, especially if you serve it over gluten-free pasta or rice instead of traditional wheat noodles.

How do I prevent shrimp from getting rubbery?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually no more than 3-4 minutes total. Overcooking is the main reason for a chewy, rubbery texture, so keep a close eye during sautéing.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a deliciously simple way to bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen without fuss. With its harmonious blend of garlic, butter, lemon, and just a touch of heat, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on any night. Don’t wait to dive into this comforting and elegant dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe