Looking for a quick and flavorful meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish? This Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins is your answer! With tender shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe brings together bold flavors and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner idea. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this easy shrimp scampi recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
The beauty of this garlic shrimp scampi lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients like fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a luscious buttery base, you can whip up a meal that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s one of those 15 minute meals that doesn’t skimp on taste, and it pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or even a light salad for a complete dining experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of creating the perfect shrimp scampi recipe easy enough for anyone to master. Let’s dive into this quick and delicious dinner that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
What You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp dish, you’ll need a few key components that work together to build layers of flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that signature shrimp scampi taste, from the succulent seafood to the fragrant sauce that ties it all together. Here’s a breakdown of what each element brings to the table:
- Shrimp: The star of the show, providing a tender and juicy bite. Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time.
- Garlic: The heart of the garlic butter sauce, delivering a punchy, aromatic depth that defines this dish.
- Butter: Creates a rich, silky base for the sauce, ensuring every piece of shrimp is coated in decadence.
- White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and complexity to balance the richness of the butter.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors with a fresh, tangy note that complements the seafood.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a hint of heat to elevate the overall taste without overpowering it.
- Parsley: A fresh herb garnish that adds color and a burst of earthy flavor at the end.
- Pasta or Bread: Optional, but perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Gather these simple items for a delicious shrimp scampi in just 15 minutes!
INGREDIENTS
- – 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- – 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- – 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
PREPARATION
- If serving with pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice, then return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1 minute to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 286 mg
- Sodium: 881 mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving without pasta. Adjust accordingly if including additional sides.
Why Shrimp Scampi is a Perfect Quick Dinner
When it comes to quick easy dinner options, this shrimp scampi recipe easy stands out. The entire dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence. The minimal prep and fast cooking time mean you can have a gourmet-style meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Choosing the Best Shrimp for Your Scampi
For the best results in your garlic shrimp scampi, opt for fresh or frozen large shrimp. Look for shrimp labeled as 16/20 or 21/25 per pound, which indicates their size. These sizes are perfect for a hearty bite and cook quickly. If using frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water for a few minutes before cooking.
Customizing Your Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the soul of this dish, and it’s incredibly versatile. Want a creamier texture? Add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can even toss in some capers or chopped tomatoes for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
Pairing Ideas for Shrimp Scampi
This easy garlic butter shrimp dish shines on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Serve it over linguine or spaghetti to soak up the sauce, or alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread is another excellent choice for dipping into the rich garlic butter goodness.
Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins Recipe
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
Overcooking shrimp is a common mistake, but it’s easy to avoid. Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook—they’re done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. If they form a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked and may become rubbery. Cooking them for just 1-2 minutes per side over medium heat ensures a tender, juicy result.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this shrimp scampi recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp tough.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work wonderfully for this easy shrimp scampi recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from diluting the garlic butter sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you don’t have white wine or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth in this recipe for shrimp scampi. For a similar tangy note, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice. The broth will still create a flavorful base for the sauce without altering the dish’s essence.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spice in this garlic butter shrimp recipe depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you use. The recipe calls for a small amount, providing just a subtle heat. Feel free to adjust by adding more for a spicier kick or omitting them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this shrimp scampi recipe easy is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead. Peel and devein the shrimp and mince the garlic up to a day in advance, storing them in the fridge. However, cook the dish just before serving to ensure the shrimp stay tender and the sauce remains vibrant.
Savor this quick and flavorful shrimp scampi, perfect for busy nights!
Conclusion
This Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins is the ultimate solution for a fast, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner. With its irresistible garlic butter aroma and tender shrimp, it’s a dish that feels special yet requires minimal time and effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this quick easy dinner is sure to impress. So, grab your skillet, gather these simple ingredients, and whip up one of the easiest shrimp recipes easy enough for any night of the week!
If you try this shrimp scampi recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below or share your twist on social media. For more 15 minute meals and shrimp dinners, explore other recipes on the blog or subscribe to stay updated with the latest kitchen inspiration!
