Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Delicious, Elegant Meal for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that always draws me in.

This dish is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a hint of lemon, all tossed together for a quick and satisfying meal.

Whether I’m hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, scampi never fails to impress.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients I use to create my delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Each item plays a vital role in delivering that rich flavor and delightful aroma.

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version)
• Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (dry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp
   Start by peeling and deveining 1 pound of large shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the shrimp sear nicely.
2. Cook the Pasta
   In a pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
3. Heat the Butter
   In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter begins to foam, it’s ready for the next ingredients.
4. Sauté the Garlic
   Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
5. Add Red Pepper Flakes
   Stir in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your spice preference. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavor.
6. Deglaze with Wine
   Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
7. Cook the Shrimp
   Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Add the reserved pasta water, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and stir gently to combine everything.
9. Finish with Fresh Parsley
   Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and give it a final stir. The fresh herbs will brighten the dish.

Recipe Notes & Variations

When making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, I find there are several notes and variations that can enhance or adapt the dish to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Shrimp Selection

I usually prefer using large or extra-large shrimp for this recipe. However, you can substitute with medium shrimp if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since smaller shrimp will cook faster.

Butter Options

While I always use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning, feel free to use salted butter if you enjoy a saltier flavor. Just remember to taste first before adding more salt.

Wine Alternatives

If I don’t have dry white wine, I often use chicken broth as an alternative. This option still adds depth to the sauce. For a non-alcoholic version, vegetable broth works well too.

Spice Level

For a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love heat, I recommend adding more flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.

Pasta Choices

Although I commonly use linguine or spaghetti, any long pasta or even gluten-free pasta will work. Zoodles can be an excellent low-carb alternative if I’m in the mood for something lighter.

Lemon Zest

I like adding both lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavor profile. If I want a more pronounced lemon taste, I might squeeze in a bit more juice just before serving.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Sometimes, I toss in veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach near the end of the cooking process for additional nutrition and color. These can enhance both the taste and presentation.

Make-Ahead Tips

If I’m planning to serve this dish for guests, I often prepare the sauce in advance. I cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, I love to keep it simple yet elegant. Here are my favorite suggestions to elevate this delicious dish:

1. Serve Over Pasta
   I always opt for linguine or spaghetti as a classic base for the scampi. The long strands of pasta beautifully soak up the rich garlic butter sauce. If you prefer a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash work wonderfully as well.
2. Garnish Generously
   A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch and fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish. I sometimes also add lemon zest for an extra citrus kick. For a touch of heat, a few extra red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top.
3. Pair With Bread
   I love serving garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side. The bread is perfect for scooping up the leftover garlic butter sauce, ensuring every last drop is enjoyed.
4. Accompany With a Salad
   A light side salad complements the richness of the scampi. I recommend a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil, lemon juice and salt for a refreshing contrast.
5. Wine Pairings
   For a drink pairing, I suggest serving a chilled glass of dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.
6. Create a Complete Meal
   For a heartier meal, I sometimes add steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. They not only add color but also balance the dish with freshness and crunch.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for a serving of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi made with the ingredients specified in the recipe.

This delicious dish offers a balance of protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs moderate.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	25 grams
Total Fat	20 grams
Saturated Fat	10 grams
Cholesterol	200 mg
Carbohydrates	35 grams
Fiber	3 grams
Sugars	2 grams
Sodium	600 mg

The shrimp in this recipe provides a lean source of protein, while the unsalted butter contributes to the healthy fat content.

The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for a hearty yet light meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is truly a dish that brings joy to any table. Whether I’m hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, it never fails to impress.

The rich flavors and the delightful aroma make it a standout meal that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.

I love how versatile it is too, allowing for endless variations based on what I have on hand.

From swapping in different pastas to adding in fresh veggies, there’s always a way to make it my own.

So if you haven’t tried making this dish yet, I highly recommend you give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed!

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