Give it up, my sweet friend! You absolutely cannot resist the temptation of this recipe. I’m talking about Buffalo Shrimp Scampi, and it is about to become your new kitchen obsession. If you love the classic version, you must try this juicy garlic butter shrimp scampi too.
Imagine all the garlicky, buttery goodness of classic scampi. Now, give it a fiery, tangy hug from your favorite Buffalo sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that will make you do a happy dance right there at the stove.
This dish is my weeknight superhero. It’s faster than calling for takeout and about a million times more satisfying. We’re talking juicy shrimp, coated in a spectacular sauce, all over a bed of pasta. Come to Mama!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I have a serious love affair with both Buffalo wings and shrimp scampi. One game day, I was craving them BOTH at the same time. I stared into my fridge, and a beautiful idea was born.
I just went for it. The result was pure magic. My family went completely silent while eating—that’s the highest compliment! Now, it’s our go-to for a fun, fast, and fabulous dinner that feels like a party.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
This recipe is all about big flavor from simple stuff. You probably have most of this already! Here’s what you need to grab.
Buffalo Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Shrimp Scampi Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Get everything measured and ready to go. This cooks fast, so having your “mise en place” is the secret to a stress-free, perfect dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5-6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce (I love Frank’s!)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional for serving: crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola, extra parsley
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Are you ready? Put on some fun music, and let’s cook together. This is where the magic happens, and it’s so easy.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions for al dente. Save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain it.
- While the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is key for them to get a nice sear! Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Take them out and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds until it’s fragrant. You don’t want it to burn!
- Carefully pour in the Buffalo sauce and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. It will thicken up a bit and become glorious.
- Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the lemon juice and most of the parsley. Now, add back your cooked shrimp and any juices from the plate. Toss to coat them in that amazing sauce.
- Add your drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if you need to loosen the sauce. It helps it cling to every single noodle.
- That’s it! Serve immediately, topped with the remaining parsley and a sprinkle of blue cheese if you’re feeling wild. Dive in!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you master the base recipe, play around! Here are a few of my favorite twists. For a brighter, citrusy take, this zesty lemon-herb shrimp scampi is a refreshing alternative.
Make it Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or ranch dressing at the end with the lemon juice. It creates a luscious, cooling sauce that’s incredible.
Add Some Veggies: Toss in a handful of spinach or chopped kale right after you make the sauce. Let it wilt down before adding the shrimp back. Easy nutrition boost!
Switch the Protein: This sauce is amazing on chicken too! Use thin chicken breast cutlets or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just warm it through in the sauce.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them tasting great.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over low heat. Gently warm it, stirring often. The microwave can make the shrimp a bit rubbery, so the stove is best.
I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the shrimp and pasta can become mushy when thawed. It’s truly meant to be enjoyed fresh and hot!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~450
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
*This is an estimate per serving, calculated without optional cheese toppings.
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but fresh is best for texture! If you use pre-cooked, add them in the very last step just to warm through. If you cook them longer, they’ll get tough. I promise the few extra minutes for raw shrimp are worth it.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No stress! You can use vegetable broth, seafood stock, or even just a bit of white wine. In a real pinch, you can use water with an extra pinch of salt. The Buffalo sauce and garlic are the real stars here.
Is this dish super spicy?
It has a kick, but it’s totally manageable! The butter and pasta really mellow it out. For a milder version, use a “mild” Buffalo sauce or mix half hot sauce with half melted butter before adding it in. You control the heat!
Friends, I am so excited for you to try this. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular Tuesday night feel special. The combo of garlic butter and Buffalo is just unbeatable. And if you’re a fan of one-pot meals, you’ll adore this creamy shrimp scampi orzo for your next easy dinner.
You’ve got this! Whether it’s your first time cooking shrimp or your hundredth, this recipe is here to make you look like a total rockstar. Now go make it, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
