Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

I recently whipped up shrimp scampi over pasta that quickly became a favorite. Shrimp sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, unsalted butter, and olive oil create a tantalizing fusion of flavors. A dash of dry white wine, lemon juice, and parsley delivers a refreshing finish on this elegant seafood dish.

I recently whipped up this garlic butter shrimp scampi and it blew my mind. I know there are plenty of shrimp pasta scampi and easy scampi recipes out there, but this one really stands out for me.

I start with 1 lb large shrimp, peeling and deveining them while heating 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan. I add in 6 garlic cloves minced just right along with a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick, then splash in 1/2 cup dry white wine and 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice.

It simmers all together until every flavor melds perfectly and I finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. I love serving it over pasta, which makes it an absolute winner among shrimp over pasta recipes.

Its simplicity and robust flavors keep me coming back for more time after time.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I really like how the garlic and butter combine with the red pepper flakes to create a rich, bold flavor that makes everything taste amazing, even though it’s super simple to put together. Second, I enjoy how quick it is to make. I can easily whip it up on a busy weeknight without too much hassle, which really fits my lifestyle. Third, it’s totally versatile. Whether I serve it with pasta or eat it on its own, I always end up feeling like I made something really special. Lastly, I appreciate how the lemon juice and white wine add a nice tang and depth that balances the butter perfectly.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh shrimp bring lean protein, essential for muscle repair and great texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Offers creamy richness and mouth-watering flavor without extra salt.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity layer with healthy fats for smooth cooking.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, aromatic spice that enhances every bite considerably.
• White Wine: Infuses the dish with bright acidity and complex flavor depth.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy freshness, cutting through the buttery richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in subtle heat, giving a lively yet gentle kick.
• Parsley: Adds a bright, herby finish and a touch of vitamin goodness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you like a bit of a kick)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: Pasta for serving

How to Make this

1. Start by patting the 1 lb of shrimp dry and seasoning them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat 4 tbsp of unsalted butter along with 2 tbsp of olive oil over a medium-high heat until the butter is melted.

3. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until the garlic gets fragrant but isnt browned.

4. Toss the shrimp in and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are slightly firm.

5. Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and add 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan, letting it simmer for another 2 minutes so it reduces a bit and all the flavors meld together.

6. Stir everything together carefully, making sure the garlic and red pepper flakes are well distributed among the shrimp.

7. If you are serving this over pasta, drain your cooked pasta and mix it directly into the skillet so it soaks up the yummy garlic butter sauce.

8. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp scampi before taking it off the heat.

9. Give it a quick taste and if needed add a bit more salt or pepper to get it just right.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi with your favorite pasta if you chose to use it!

Equipment Needed

1. Paper towels for patting the shrimp dry
2. Large skillet for cooking the shrimp
3. Knife and cutting board for chopping garlic and parsley
4. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup for butter, olive oil, wine, and lemon juice
5. Spatula or tongs to stir and flip the shrimp
6. Pasta pot and colander if you plan to serve this with pasta

FAQ

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of unsalted butter, you can use ghee which gives a slightly nuttier flavor and works just as well.
• If you dont have olive oil, try using avocado oil since it has a mild taste and a high smoke point.
• Not a fan of garlic? You can use 1-2 tsp garlic powder, but keep in mind the flavor might be a bit different.
• If you dont have dry white wine, low sodium chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be used as an alternative.
• For a bit of heat replacement for red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper works, though it can be a little stronger so use it sparingly.

Pro Tips

1. Always pat the shrimp really dry before cooking so they sear properly and don’t end up soggy. Trust me, moisture is your enemy here.
2. When you add garlic to the butter and oil, keep an eye on it. You wanna cook it just until its fragrant, not burnt. Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish.
3. Let the wine and lemon juice reduce slightly before stirring in the rest of the ingredients. This concentrates the flavors and makes your sauce even tastier.
4. If you’re mixing in pasta, do it off the heat for the last minute. This helps the pasta soak up the sauce without overcooking, keeping everything nicely balanced.