Shrimp Scampi 🍤🧄 Garlicky, Buttery, and Ready in 15

— A Classic That Delivers Every Time

Shrimp Scampi is the definition of flavor-per-minute value: big garlic, fresh lemon, buttery sauce, and perfectly sautéed shrimp, all built in one pan in under 15 minutes.

Serve it over pasta, swirl it with crusty bread, or make it the centerpiece of a simple weeknight dinner that feels like more.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of ½ lemon + zest
• ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Optional: ½ lb pasta or cooked rice, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Zest and juice your lemon, chop garlic and parsley — move fast, this goes quick.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown the garlic).
2. Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Return & Finish

1. Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the buttery lemon sauce.
2. Stir in lemon zest and parsley. Adjust salt, pepper, and acidity to taste.
3. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with bread.

Flavor Variations

• Scampi Pasta – Toss cooked linguine directly into the sauce with a splash of pasta water
• Extra Creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream or swirl in cold butter at the end
• Lime & Cilantro Twist – Swap lemon for lime and parsley for cilantro
• Smoky Paprika Scampi – Add ½ tsp smoked paprika for a subtle twist

Serving Ideas

• Tossed with pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair)
• Over garlic rice or lemon orzo
• As a topping for grilled bread or crostini
• With sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus
• Bowl-style with farro and grilled veggies

Pro Tips

• Shrimp cooks fast — remove from the pan once opaque and pink
• For max flavor, use raw shrimp with shells/tails on and peel just before cooking
• Don’t skip the lemon zest — it brings the sauce alive
• Deglaze with wine after searing to capture those golden bits from the pan

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate quick win: big flavor, fast cook time, and flexible enough for pasta, bowls, or straight-up scooping. Buttery, garlicky, and just sharp enough with citrus — it’s the classic that always delivers.

Sear hard. Sauce quick. Finish bright. 🍤🧄🍋🔥

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.