Introduction & Inspiration
There’s something magical about a dish that looks and tastes fancy but takes almost no time to prepare.
This Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and filled with juicy shrimp that make me feel like I’m dining seaside.
Nostalgic Appeal
Shrimp scampi reminds me of special family dinners, where simple ingredients turned into something extraordinary.
It always felt like a treat growing up, even though it only took minutes to make.
Now, it’s a dish I love recreating when I want a quick meal that still feels special and comforting.
Homemade Focus
Cooking shrimp scampi at home means I get to use fresh, quality ingredients and tweak the flavors exactly how I like them.
I love being able to control the amount of garlic, butter, and spice.
Plus, homemade always tastes better and feels more rewarding.
Flavor Goal
The goal here is big flavor in a short amount of time.
I wanted buttery shrimp bursting with garlicky goodness, balanced by a touch of lemon and a hint of heat.
Every element had to complement the shrimp without overpowering its natural sweetness.
Ingredient Insights
Extra-large shrimp are perfect because they cook quickly and stay juicy and tender.
Butter creates a rich, silky base that coats each shrimp beautifully.
Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that defines scampi’s signature flavor.
Red pepper flakes offer a little kick, while white wine or broth deepens the sauce’s complexity.
Lemon juice brings brightness and freshness to the rich butter sauce.
Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a light, herbal finish.
Essential Equipment
A large skillet helps cook the shrimp evenly and quickly.
Tongs are perfect for flipping the shrimp without damaging their delicate texture.
A small knife and cutting board are all you need to mince garlic and chop parsley.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
1 pound uncooked extra-large shrimp (26-30/lb. size), thawed and peeled, tails optional
½ cup butter (1 stick), divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by running under cool water in a colander.
Peel and devein them if necessary, keeping the tails on or off as you prefer.
Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear in the pan.
Step 2: Start Cooking
Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 minute per side.
Use tongs to flip the shrimp quickly for even cooking.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan.
Let it bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the pan.
Once the butter melts, give everything a quick stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Troubleshooting
If your shrimp are rubbery, they were likely overcooked—stick to just a minute per side.
If the sauce seems too thin, let it bubble for another minute to reduce and thicken.
If using broth instead of wine, you may want a squeeze of extra lemon to brighten the flavor.
Tips and Variations
Use clarified butter for an even silkier sauce.
Add a handful of cooked pasta like linguine or angel hair to the pan to soak up all that garlicky sauce.
For extra richness, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan over the finished dish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve shrimp scampi over cooked pasta, steamed rice, or with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for a light, balanced meal.
A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony butter sauce beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Shrimp scampi is naturally low in carbs and high in protein.
Using quality butter and fresh ingredients keeps it clean and satisfying without feeling heavy.
It’s an excellent choice for a light but luxurious dinner.
Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi
Description
Learn how to make Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi with buttery garlic sauce and tender shrimp, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals without the fuss!
Ingredients
1 pound uncooked extra-large shrimp (26-30/lb. size), thawed and peeled, tails optional
½ cup butter (1 stick), divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by running under cool water in a colander.
Peel and devein them if necessary, keeping the tails on or off as you prefer.
Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear in the pan.
Step 2: Start Cooking
Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 minute per side.
Use tongs to flip the shrimp quickly for even cooking.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan.
Let it bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the pan.
Once the butter melts, give everything a quick stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today I shared how to make Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi, a fast yet impressive dinner.
We sautéed juicy shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.
Can you make it ahead? It’s best fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce ingredients in advance.
Can you freeze it? Cooked shrimp don’t freeze well, so it’s better to enjoy this dish right after cooking.
This shrimp scampi proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy tools to create a dish that feels special.