Shrimp scampi served over linguine pasta with garlic butter sauce, parsley, and lemon slices.

Flavour Quest Recipes

🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a quick, flavorful dish made with tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Light yet indulgent, it comes together fast and works beautifully as an easy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 lb Large shrimp peeled & deveined
8 oz Linguine or spaghetti
2 tbsp Olive oil
4 Cloves garlic minced
1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes crushed, (optional)
1/2 cup Dry white wine (or chicken broth)
8 tbsp Unsalted butter juice of
1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 Lemon juiced
Lemon wedges for serving

Method

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Sauce
Add wine (or broth) and lemon juice to the skillet. Simmer 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Combine and Serve
Toss cooked pasta and shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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🔄 Variations

Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Stir in white wine for a classic scampi flavor.
Toss with linguine or angel hair pasta to make it a full meal.
Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and freshness.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve shrimp scampi over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

It also pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter option.

Add a touch of Parmesan cheese or extra lemon zest for brightness.

❄️ Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently over low heat just until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough.

💡 Tips

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque to avoid overcooking.
Add lemon juice at the end to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: What size shrimp works best for scampi?
A: Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal for this dish.

Q: Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently for short-term storage.

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