Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Flavorful Dinner Delight

October 31, 2025December 5, 2024 by Emma

Do you want a dinner that’s both quick and packed with flavor? Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is your answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that shines on any table. I’ll guide you step by step, from cooking the pasta to perfecting the sauce. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that will impress your family and friends alike!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta.
Customizable Heat: With the option to adjust red pepper flakes, you can easily make this dish as spicy or mild as you prefer.
Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, this dish looks as amazing as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)

– Linguine or spaghetti (8 oz)

– Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)

– Minced garlic (4 cloves)

– Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon)

– Lemon (1 for juicing and zesting)

– Chicken broth (1/2 cup)

– Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)

– Salt and pepper (to taste)

– Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, gather these fresh and tasty ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor.

The large shrimp are the star. They give the dish its protein and juicy bite. For the pasta, I suggest linguine or spaghetti. Their shapes hold the sauce well.

Unsalted butter adds richness and creaminess. The minced garlic brings a punch of flavor. I love using four cloves, but you can adjust it to your taste.

Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon for brightness. The lemon zest gives even more flavor.

Chicken broth helps create a savory sauce. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can season with salt and pepper as needed.

Lastly, if you want to elevate your dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To start, boil a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is bubbling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time ends. This helps you avoid overcooking. When done, save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sautéing the Shrimp

Next, grab a large skillet. Set it over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. This time is crucial. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. If it burns, it will taste bitter.

Creating the Sauce

Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink. Toss them often to cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Next, pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, the juice of 1 lemon, and the zest from the lemon. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps develop the flavors.

Combining Ingredients

Once the shrimp are ready, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together well. If the mixture feels dry, add some of that reserved pasta water. This helps adjust the consistency. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess.

Finishing Touches

Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and ¼ cup of chopped parsley. This adds richness and freshness. For serving, plate the shrimp scampi in warmed bowls. Top each with extra parsley and, if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish looks great and tastes even better!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Right Shrimp

When making garlic butter shrimp scampi, the shrimp choice matters a lot. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp has a sweet taste and firm texture. Frozen shrimp can be just as good if thawed properly.

For the best results, choose large shrimp. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Look for shrimp that are 16/20 count per pound. This means there are 16 to 20 shrimp in one pound. They will give you the perfect bite in each forkful.

Cooking Pasta Perfectly

Cooking pasta right makes a big difference. Start by using a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. The water should taste like the sea. This helps the pasta absorb flavor as it cooks.

Cook the linguine or spaghetti until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. Remember, you will finish cooking it with the shrimp, so don’t overdo it!

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the flavor of your dish, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme can add depth. A bit of lemon zest will brighten the dish even more.

For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top when serving. This adds color and freshness. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese. It melts slightly and gives a nice creamy touch to the dish.

Pro Tips

Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are cooked until they just turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly.
Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can brighten up your garlic butter shrimp scampi with fresh veggies. Some great options include:

– Cherry tomatoes

– Spinach

– Zucchini

– Bell peppers

To add them, slice your chosen vegetables into small pieces. Sauté them in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the shrimp. This way, they cook well and keep their flavor.

Different Pasta Options

While linguine is classic, you can switch up your pasta. Try these types for a new twist:

– Fettuccine

– Penne

– Farfalle

If you need gluten-free options, look for rice or quinoa pasta. They work well and absorb the flavors nicely.

Flavor Boosts

Want to kick up the taste? You can add some extra ingredients. Consider using:

– A splash of white wine

– Low-sodium chicken stock

Add the wine after sautéing the garlic. Let it reduce for a minute before adding the broth. This step deepens the flavor and makes your dish even more delicious.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it right. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors and moisture. Make sure to cool the dish first before sealing it. Refrigerate the container within two hours of serving. It will last for about three days in the fridge.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the shrimp moist. Stir often to prevent overcooking. Shrimp cooks fast, and you don’t want them rubbery.

For serving, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. Enjoy your reheated garlic butter shrimp scampi just as much as the first time!

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in advance?

Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ahead of time. First, cook the pasta and shrimp as directed. Let them cool, then store them in separate airtight containers. You can refrigerate them for up to two days. To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Reheat the pasta gently in hot water or a microwave. Combine both before serving.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Garlic bread for a crunchy bite

– A fresh green salad for crunch

– Steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus

– Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce

These sides enhance the meal and add balance to the dish.

How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?

To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch for color changes. Perfectly cooked shrimp turn bright pink. They should curl into a C shape. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes in the skillet. If you see them starting to curl tightly, they’re likely done. Remove them from heat right away. Monitoring them closely will help you get it just right.

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Here are some common swaps:

– Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter taste.

– Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a veggie version.

– Use lemon juice from a bottle if fresh lemon isn’t available.

– You can replace parsley with basil for a different flavor.

These swaps can change the taste but keep the dish tasty.

This blog post covered a delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe. We explored the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for success. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable. Try this recipe for a quick, tasty meal. You can impress your family or friends without stress. Enjoy your shrimp scampi and get creative with flavor

$- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined) - Linguine or spaghetti (8 oz) - Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons) - Minced garlic (4 cloves) - Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon) - Lemon (1 for juicing and zesting) - Chicken broth (1/2 cup) - Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped) - Salt and pepper (to taste) - Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, gather these fresh and tasty ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor. The large shrimp are the star. They give the dish its protein and juicy bite. For the pasta, I suggest linguine or spaghetti. Their shapes hold the sauce well. Unsalted butter adds richness and creaminess. The minced garlic brings a punch of flavor. I love using four cloves, but you can adjust it to your taste. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon for brightness. The lemon zest gives even more flavor. Chicken broth helps create a savory sauce. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can season with salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, if you want to elevate your dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is bubbling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time ends. This helps you avoid overcooking. When done, save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Set it over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. This time is crucial. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. If it burns, it will taste bitter. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink. Toss them often to cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Next, pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, the juice of 1 lemon, and the zest from the lemon. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps develop the flavors. Once the shrimp are ready, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together well. If the mixture feels dry, add some of that reserved pasta water. This helps adjust the consistency. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and ¼ cup of chopped parsley. This adds richness and freshness. For serving, plate the shrimp scampi in warmed bowls. Top each with extra parsley and, if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish looks great and tastes even better! When making garlic butter shrimp scampi, the shrimp choice matters a lot. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp has a sweet taste and firm texture. Frozen shrimp can be just as good if thawed properly. For the best results, choose large shrimp. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Look for shrimp that are 16/20 count per pound. This means there are 16 to 20 shrimp in one pound. They will give you the perfect bite in each forkful. Cooking pasta right makes a big difference. Start by using a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. The water should taste like the sea. This helps the pasta absorb flavor as it cooks. Cook the linguine or spaghetti until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. Remember, you will finish cooking it with the shrimp, so don’t overdo it! To boost the flavor of your dish, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme can add depth. A bit of lemon zest will brighten the dish even more. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top when serving. This adds color and freshness. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese. It melts slightly and gives a nice creamy touch to the dish. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are cooked until they just turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery. Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can brighten up your garlic butter shrimp scampi with fresh veggies. Some great options include: - Cherry tomatoes - Spinach - Zucchini - Bell peppers To add them, slice your chosen vegetables into small pieces. Sauté them in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the shrimp. This way, they cook well and keep their flavor. While linguine is classic, you can switch up your pasta. Try these types for a new twist: - Fettuccine - Penne - Farfalle If you need gluten-free options, look for rice or quinoa pasta. They work well and absorb the flavors nicely. Want to kick up the taste? You can add some extra ingredients. Consider using: - A splash of white wine - Low-sodium chicken stock Add the wine after sautéing the garlic. Let it reduce for a minute before adding the broth. This step deepens the flavor and makes your dish even more delicious. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it right. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors and moisture. Make sure to cool the dish first before sealing it. Refrigerate the container within two hours of serving. It will last for about three days in the fridge. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the shrimp moist. Stir often to prevent overcooking. Shrimp cooks fast, and you don't want them rubbery. For serving, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. Enjoy your reheated garlic butter shrimp scampi just as much as the first time! Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ahead of time. First, cook the pasta and shrimp as directed. Let them cool, then store them in separate airtight containers. You can refrigerate them for up to two days. To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Reheat the pasta gently in hot water or a microwave. Combine both before serving. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh green salad for crunch - Steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus - Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce These sides enhance the meal and add balance to the dish. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch for color changes. Perfectly cooked shrimp turn bright pink. They should curl into a C shape. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes in the skillet. If you see them starting to curl tightly, they’re likely done. Remove them from heat right away. Monitoring them closely will help you get it just right. Yes, you can substitute some ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Here are some common swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter taste. - Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a veggie version. - Use lemon juice from a bottle if fresh lemon isn’t available. - You can replace parsley with basil for a different flavor. These swaps can change the taste but keep the dish tasty. This blog post covered a delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe. We explored the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for success. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable. Try this recipe for a quick, tasty meal. You can impress your family or friends without stress. Enjoy your shrimp scampi and get creative with flavors!$