Go Back
To make garlic butter shrimp scampi, you need simple, fresh items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) These ingredients bring a bright and bold flavor to your dish. The shrimp offers a sweet, tender bite, while the garlic adds depth. The butter creates a rich, silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. You can customize your scampi with a few optional ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Extra lemon zest for more brightness - A splash of white wine for added flavor - Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color - Fresh basil or oregano for an herbal note These extras can elevate your dish further. They add layers of taste and make your meal stand out. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, swap shrimp for mushrooms or zucchini. They provide a nice texture and soak up the garlic butter flavor well. For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta. You won’t miss the traditional pasta, and it keeps the meal light and delicious. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta as directed on the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of that tasty pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, get a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once it melts, place the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip them over and cook for 1-2 more minutes until they are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but watch carefully so the garlic does not burn. Now, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon to the skillet. Next, toss in the cooked pasta and that reserved pasta water you saved. Mix everything well until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss it all together until heated through. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like. Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi right away. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and, if you wish, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! When you pick shrimp, look for large, fresh ones. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor. Check for bright colors; they should be pink or gray. If you buy frozen shrimp, choose ones that are peeled and deveined. This saves time and effort. Always thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. Garlic gives this dish its heart. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Mince it finely, but don’t overdo it. Too much garlic can overpower the dish. Sauté the minced garlic for just one minute. You want it to be fragrant, not burnt. If you love heat, add red pepper flakes to the garlic as it cooks. This adds a nice kick. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch the time closely. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side until pink. Flip them and cook for 1-2 more minutes. When they curl into a C shape, they’re done. If they turn into an O shape, you’ve overcooked them. Remove them from the skillet to keep them tender and juicy. {{image_2}} If you like heat, try spicy garlic butter shrimp. Simply add more red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños for extra spice. This twist gives your dish a nice kick. Pair it with a cool drink to balance the heat. For a luxurious touch, swap shrimp for lobster. Use the same garlic butter sauce. Cook the lobster meat until it’s tender. This dish feels special and tastes amazing. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can add vegetables to garlic butter shrimp scampi for extra flavor and color. Consider adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the shrimp. This makes your dish healthier and more vibrant. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! After you enjoy your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, store leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature first. Keep the container in the fridge. You can enjoy your leftovers for up to two days. Reheat your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi easily. You can use the stove or the microwave. If you choose the stove, heat a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or butter to keep it moist. Stir often until hot. If you use the microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short bursts for about one minute. Check and stir in between to avoid overcooking. Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a great way to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy the flavors even after freezing! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw the shrimp before cooking. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Using frozen shrimp works well and saves time. You can serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with several sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. You can prep some parts in advance. Cook the pasta and make the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat the sauce and add the shrimp. Then mix in the pasta. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. This blog post shared how to make delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi step-by-step. We covered key ingredients, cooking techniques, and helpful tips. You can switch out shrimp for vegetarian or gluten-free options, too. Enjoy variations like spicy or lobster versions to suit your taste. Proper storage helps you enjoy leftovers later. Now, go ahead and try this easy recipe at home. You’ll impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this quick and delightful recipe! This dish combines succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a hint of heat, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that's sure to impress. In just 20 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dinner that's simple enough for any home cook. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this deliciousness to your table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.

          Return Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

            Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4