If you love a dish that’s quick, elegant, and bursting with flavor, then I’m so excited to share my homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe with you! It’s one of those recipes I keep turning to when I want something restaurant-quality but without all the fuss. The garlicky butter sauce paired with tender shrimp and a splash of white wine? Absolute perfection. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail this every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: Ready in about 10 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Elegant Yet Simple: Uses few ingredients but packs a flavorful punch every time.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether over pasta, rice, or veggies, it feels just right.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family absolutely goes crazy for this whenever I make it!

A close-up view of a pile of cooked shrimp in warm light, the shrimp are curled with bright orange tails and creamy white bodies, each piece sprinkled with small green parsley leaves, the shrimp sit in a glossy light yellow butter sauce with tiny bits of seasoning visible, a wooden spoon partially lifts some shrimp from the mix, the scene is set against a white marbled textured surface, showing the moist texture and fresh herbs clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, shrimp scampi pasta, easy seafood recipes, quick shrimp recipes, elegant shrimp dinners

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that marry beautifully: the garlic and butter create a rich sauce, while the wine adds a subtle acidity that makes the shrimp pop. Grab good-quality shrimp and fresh parsley for the best results.

Flat lay of large raw shrimp with shells and tails, a few whole garlic cloves, two tablespoons of golden olive oil in a small white bowl, four tablespoons of creamy butter in a small white bowl, a small white bowl holding bright red crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl with translucent pale yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with clear dry white wine, a small white bowl with coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, a small white bowl filled with vibrant chopped fresh parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, shrimp scampi pasta, easy seafood recipes, quick shrimp recipes, elegant shrimp dinners

Olive oil: Adds a fruity base and helps brown the garlic without burning it.
Butter: Brings that indulgent, silky mouthfeel and richness to the sauce.
Garlic: The star flavor! Fresh minced garlic gives such a wonderful punch.
Shrimp: Large prawns work best with shells off or on based on your preference.
Salt and cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp!
Dry white wine or broth: The wine adds brightness, but broth is a great non-alcoholic swap.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Give it a gentle spicy kick if you like a little heat.
Lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to cut through the butter.
Fresh parsley: Finishes the dish with lovely herbal notes and color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe depending on what we have on hand or the mood I’m in. Feel free to personalize it to suit your tastes—you really can’t go wrong!

Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or a bed of steamed cauliflower to keep it light and gluten-free. I do this often when cutting carbs without missing flavor.
Spicy Twist: Crank up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne. My husband adores the punchier versions.
Herb Variations: Try swapping parsley for basil or cilantro for an exciting flavor change. I once made it with basil, which was a nice summer variation.
Protein Swap: Use scallops or chicken if you want a different protein; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil and Butter

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add your minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. This step is key—watch closely because garlic can burn quickly and get bitter. You’ll smell it when it’s just right, and that scent alone makes me drool every time.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Now, add your shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Cook them for 1-2 minutes on one side until they start turning pink but aren’t fully cooked yet, then flip them over. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking and rubbery results—that’s a rookie mistake I’ve made plenty of times.

Step 3: Add Wine, Red Pepper Flakes, and Simmer

Pour in about 1/4 cup of dry white wine (or broth). Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the wine reduces by half and your shrimp are cooked through. This reduction intensifies the flavors beautifully, so don’t skip it.

Step 4: Finish with Butter, Lemon, and Parsley

Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter along with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and a generous handful of chopped parsley. The butter melts into a silky sauce, the lemon brightens everything, and parsley adds freshness and color. Give it a final stir and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook super fast; stop cooking as soon as they turn pink and opaque for tender results.
Use Fresh Garlic: I’ve found fresh minced garlic always gives a brighter flavor than pre-minced.
Good Quality Wine: Choose a dry white wine you’d enjoy drinking—it will affect the flavor.
Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients prepped before heating the pan, as the recipe comes together quickly.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

The image shows many cooked shrimp with curled bodies, their shells partly removed to reveal white and pink flesh with a soft texture. The shrimp have bright orange tails and are seasoned with small bits of black pepper and fresh green parsley scattered evenly on top. The shrimp look slightly shiny, as if coated with a light sauce or oil. The background is a close-up view, showing the shrimp piled on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, shrimp scampi pasta, easy seafood recipes, quick shrimp recipes, elegant shrimp dinners

Garnishes

I love to finish my scampi with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for that pop of green and mild herbaceous flavor. Occasionally, I add a little lemon zest for an extra brightness, and sometimes a few cracked red pepper flakes on top if we want some heat burst right before serving.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing is a simple pasta, especially linguine or spaghetti—letting the buttery garlic sauce coat every strand is heavenly. When I want something lighter, steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice works wonderfully. Garlic bread is a classic—trust me, dipping that crunchy bread into the sauce is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving the shrimp scampi atop a bed of creamy risotto or even baked inside hollowed-out garlic bread loaves for a fun twist. Another great presentation trick is to plate it in shallow bowls with the pasta twirled beautifully underneath the shrimp for a restaurant feel at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and recommend eating them within 2 days for best freshness. The shrimp hold their texture reasonably well, though the sauce can thicken up, which reheating will fix nicely.

Freezing

Shrimp scampi doesn’t freeze perfectly due to the butter sauce texture, but if you want to freeze, do so before adding lemon juice and parsley. When thawing and reheating, add fresh lemon and herbs to revive the sauce flavors.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through without cooking the shrimp further. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the shrimp can get rubbery. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce back up.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent proper sautéing and dilute the flavors.
What can I substitute for white wine if I don’t want to use alcohol?

Great question! I often use a good quality chicken or vegetable broth as an alcohol-free substitute. It still adds depth without the wine’s acidity.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main culprit for rubbery shrimp!
Can I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Since the recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, just serve over gluten-free pasta or vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it that way.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe has a special place in my weekly rotation because it combines simplicity with seriously delicious flavors. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how easy it is to elevate dinner with just a handful of ingredients and a little attention to timing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—friends and family will thank you! So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy this delightful, buttery seafood feast.