Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (large, peeled and deveined (16-20 count)); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed); ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth); 1 lemon (zested and juiced); ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi comes together in just 20 minutes and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. The garlic, butter, and lemon make a simple but perfect trio. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Jump to Recipe

A white oval platter with cooked shrimp in a buttery sauce, garnished with lemon slices and parsley, alongside a serving spoon, bread slices, and a glass of white wine.

Why This Recipe Works

I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi whenever I want something quick, flavorful, and a little bit fancy without any fuss. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Bright, Balanced Flavor: The mix of garlic, butter, and lemon hits all the right notes – rich, savory, and fresh. It’s that same perfect balance I love in these 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Soba Noodles.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp stay juicy and tender because they cook fast and come off the heat right when they turn pink. No rubbery shrimp here – just sweet, delicate bites every time.
Simple Ingredients, Big Payoff: You only need a few pantry staples to make this dish shine. Olive oil, butter, garlic, and lemon come together in minutes for a sauce that feels restaurant-worthy.
Versatile Serving Options: Toss it with pasta, spoon it over rice, or serve it with crusty bread to soak up that buttery sauce. It’s as flexible as it is flavorful, just like my Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak And Shrimp.
Quick Enough for Any Night: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but special enough for date night at home.

Cooked shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, with a spoon resting in the dish.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!

A bowl of raw shrimp surrounded by small bowls of chopped garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, broth, white wine, parsley, butter, and salt on a marble surface.

Ingredients

Large Shrimp – The main ingredient and source of protein. Use peeled and deveined shrimp (16–20 count) for quick cooking and tender texture. Frozen shrimp work fine – just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and creates the base for the scampi sauce. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature aroma and depth. Avoid jarred garlic for this recipe since it can taste harsh.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Add a gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter. Adjust the amount or skip it if you prefer a mild version.
Dry White Wine – Brings acidity and depth to the sauce. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well. If you don’t cook with wine, chicken broth is a great substitute.
Lemon Zest and Juice – Brighten the dish and cut through the richness. Zest adds fragrance while the juice adds tang.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Instructions

Raw shrimp arranged in a single layer in a white Dutch oven on a marble surface.

Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter until melted and hot.
Add the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and season lightly with salt.

Cooked shrimp arranged in a single layer inside a white Dutch oven on a gray marble surface.

A white pot on a gray surface contains melted butter and finely chopped garlic.

Cook until just done: Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Remove to a plate to avoid overcooking.
Build the garlic butter base: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

A white Dutch oven on a marble surface containing a simmering light brown liquid with visible spices and seasonings.

Cooked shrimp in a garlic butter sauce sit in a white enameled pot on a gray marble countertop.

Make the scampi sauce: Add red pepper flakes, white wine or broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.
Return shrimp to the pan: Add the shrimp and any juices back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat, finish with parsley, and serve immediately.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

A white pot filled with cooked shrimp in a lemon butter sauce, garnished with lemon slices and herbs, sits on a marble surface next to a glass of white wine and a loaf of bread.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

Creamy Version: I like to stir in about ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce. It makes the scampi extra silky and perfect for tossing with pasta.
Extra Lemon: You can add more lemon zest if you love that bright citrus flavor. I skip extra juice so the sauce doesn’t turn bitter.
Spicy Kick: Try increasing the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat. It pairs nicely with the buttery sauce.

A white platter of shrimp scampi garnished with lemon slices and parsley, served with sliced bread on a marble surface. A serving spoon rests on the platter.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs beautifully with fresh, garlicky vegetables. We love serving it alongside Garlic Parmesan Asparagus for a crisp, flavorful side that soaks up the buttery sauce.
It’s also delicious with Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms With Thyme or Easy Sautéed Broccolini With Garlic and Lemon for a light, balanced meal.
For something classic, try French Style Green Beans – their tender texture and subtle flavor make them a perfect match for the rich scampi sauce.

A plate of cooked shrimp garnished with lemon slices and parsley, served with a fork and spoon. Bread slices, parsley, and a glass of white wine are nearby on a marble surface.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes. Just thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat them very dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly and keeps the sauce from getting watery.

What kind of wine works best for shrimp scampi?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great. If you prefer not to cook with wine, chicken broth is a simple and tasty substitute.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Cook it over medium heat and only for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly, so keep an eye on it before adding the liquid ingredients.

How long does it keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just warmed through so the shrimp stay tender.

Cooked shrimp garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices, served in a garlic butter sauce on a white plate.

More Seafood Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Bang Bang Shrimp – This bang bang shrimp recipe is crispy, creamy, spicy, and satisfying. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!
Mussels in White Wine Garlic Sauce – These show-stopping Mussels in White Wine Garlic Sauce are perfect for date night and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Shrimp Louie Salad – Shrimp Louie salad is a refreshing-yet-indulgent classic! It’s always a great choice for a light lunch, weekend brunch, or elegant main.
Shrimp Tostadas – Shrimp Tostadas are my go-to summer bite. Crisp shells, creamy avocado, juicy shrimp, and all the fresh toppings I love.

If you try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!