If you love dishes that come together in a snap without sacrificing a lick of flavor, then this Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine succulent, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, kissed with just a hint of lemon and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s bright, buttery, and downright irresistible, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. This recipe checks every box: fast, simple, and packed with vibrant flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that come together to create pure magic. Each one plays an essential role: the shrimp provide the hearty, tender protein; garlic adds that signature punch; butter creates a rich, velvety base; and lemon juice brightens the entire dish perfectly.
- 1 pound uncooked extra large shrimp (26-30/lb. size): Peeled, tails optional, for that perfect seafood centerpiece.
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), divided: The key to that silky, indulgent sauce you’ll want to savor.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth you can’t get enough of.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a subtle warmth that balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds a lovely subtle tang.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Injects fresh, zesty brightness to lighten things up.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For color, freshness, and that classic herbaceous note.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: The essential seasoning that ties everything together flawlessly.
How to Make Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp and Ingredients
The prep is absolutely key for this Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe since the cooking moves quickly. If your shrimp are frozen, simply thaw them under cold running water in a colander. You’ll want to peel and devein if not already done—this takes your shrimp from ordinary to restaurant-worthy in no time. Also, make sure your garlic is minced and other ingredients measured out to keep things running smoothly.
Step 2: Melt Butter in the Skillet
Begin by melting half of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. This provides a rich, buttery cooking base that infuses the shrimp with flavor as soon as they hit the pan. The butter creates a luxurious texture that’s truly what makes this dish shine.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the buttered skillet, cooking for just 1 minute on each side. You’ll want to flip them quickly with tongs so they develop a light golden color but remain juicy and tender inside. This fast cook ensures they don’t get rubbery, which is the secret to perfectly cooked shrimp.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the shrimp are nearly done, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful to avoid burning it. This step intensifies the flavor profile and adds a gentle hint of heat that keeps the dish exciting.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine or Broth
Pour in your choice of dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan and lift all the flavorful browned bits off the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for about 2 minutes—this concentrates the flavors and creates a silky sauce perfect for coating the shrimp.
Step 6: Finish with Butter, Lemon, and Parsley
Finally, add the remaining butter, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir gently until the butter completely melts and everything is combined. Remove the pan from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while it’s luxuriously warm and bursting with vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
While the shrimp scampi is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side elevates the presentation and freshens each bite. For a little crunch and color contrast, try adding toasted breadcrumbs or thinly sliced green onions right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, quick side dishes that absorb the buttery sauce perfectly. Think al dente spaghetti, linguine, angel hair pasta, or even zucchini noodles if you want a lighter option. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad rounds out the meal beautifully, balancing richness with fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty plate. You can also turn it into an elegant appetizer by spooning shrimp and sauce into small ramekins or onto crostini—perfect for entertaining or a dinner party starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely stick around), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delightful second meal.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the shrimp texture can become rubbery and the sauce might separate. For best results, prepare fresh or refrigerate leftovers for quick reheating instead of freezing.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, gently reheat over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving aggressively, which can toughen the shrimp. Reheat just until warmed through for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully under cold water and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely and don’t steam in the pan.
What type of wine is best for shrimp scampi?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works beautifully. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth is a great substitute that won’t compromise flavor.
Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?
Definitely! The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder, more buttery dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since the recipe itself contains no gluten, it’s naturally gluten-free—just be mindful of the side dishes you choose, like gluten-free pasta or vegetables.
How can I tell when shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp cook very quickly—when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl, they are done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye during the quick cooking steps.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together in a flash, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering, this recipe delivers incredible flavor without any fuss. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Print
Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent extra-large shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of white wine and fresh lemon juice. It’s a flavorful and simple dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound uncooked extra large (26-30/lb. size) shrimp, thawed and peeled (tails optional)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: If your shrimp is frozen, place it in a colander under cold running water until fully thawed. Devein the shrimp if desired. Prepare all ingredients ahead of time as this recipe cooks quickly.
- Melt butter: Heat half of the butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side, flipping quickly with tongs to ensure even cooking.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let it bubble and reduce for 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Once the butter melts completely, stir to combine and remove the pan from the heat.
- Season and serve: Season the shrimp scampi with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use tails-on shrimp for a more elegant presentation, or tails off for easier eating.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with low-sodium chicken broth.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Fresh garlic is essential for robust flavor; avoid garlic powder.
