Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a gourmet treat? Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. This dish brings together succulent shrimp, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a splash of lemon and white wine for a meal that’s pure indulgence. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or pairing it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce, this easy recipe delivers big on taste without taking up your entire evening.

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that often intimidates home cooks due to its restaurant-quality reputation. But here’s the secret: it’s incredibly simple to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a stunning plate ready in less time than it takes to order takeout. Perfect for busy evenings or even a last-minute date night, this recipe is all about speed and satisfaction.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to create a mouthwatering shrimp scampi that tastes like it came from a high-end kitchen. From the essential ingredients to expert tips for getting that perfect garlicky sauce, you’ll be amazed at how effortless it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this 15-minute meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes this Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins a go-to dish for any night of the week:

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Category: Main Dish, Seafood
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

This dish is ideal for those seeking ready in 15 minute meals without sacrificing flavor or quality. It’s a weeknight hero that feels like a special occasion!

What You’ll Need

To create this easy shrimp scampi recipe that tastes gourmet, each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component matters:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing a tender, juicy bite. Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best results.
• Butter: Forms the rich, velvety base of the sauce, adding depth and indulgence.
• Garlic: A must-have for that signature bold, aromatic flavor in shrimp scampi.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and complexity to balance the richness of the butter.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, tangy note that cuts through the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a hint of heat to elevate the flavors (optional, but recommended).
• Parsley: A fresh herb garnish that adds color and a burst of freshness.
• Pasta or Bread: Serves as the perfect vehicle to soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce.

INGREDIENTS

• – 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• – 2 tablespoons olive oil
• – 4 cloves garlic, minced
• – 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• – 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – 8 ounces cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving

PREPARATION

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This ensures they sear nicely and don’t release too much water during cooking.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes until the butter melts and starts to foam.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking; remove them to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute to warm through, then remove from heat.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

(Per serving, based on 4 servings, excluding pasta or bread)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 24g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Choosing the Best Shrimp for Scampi

When making Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins, the type of shrimp you choose can make a big difference. Opt for fresh or frozen large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) that are peeled and deveined for convenience. If using frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. Fresh shrimp from a trusted source will always yield the best flavor, but high-quality frozen shrimp are a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative.

Why Garlic is the Heart of This Dish

Garlic isn’t just a flavor enhancer in shrimp scampi; it’s the soul of the dish. Using fresh cloves rather than pre-minced or powdered garlic ensures a robust, aromatic base for the sauce. Be mindful not to overcook it—burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the dish. A quick sauté in butter and oil releases its oils, creating a foundation that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and wine.

Recipe

Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins Recipe

Make Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Emily Morgan

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 15 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

What You’ll Need

• Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing a tender, juicy bite. Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for the best results.
• Butter: Forms the rich, velvety base of the sauce, adding depth and indulgence.
• Garlic: A must-have for that signature bold, aromatic flavor in shrimp scampi.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle acidity and complexity to balance the richness of the butter.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, tangy note that cuts through the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a hint of heat to elevate the flavors (optional, but recommended).
• Parsley: A fresh herb garnish that adds color and a burst of freshness.
• Pasta or Bread: Serves as the perfect vehicle to soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce.

INGREDIENTS

• – 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• – 2 tablespoons olive oil
• – 4 cloves garlic, minced
• – 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• – 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – 8 ounces cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving

PREPARATION

1

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This ensures they sear nicely and don’t release too much water during cooking.

2

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes until the butter melts and starts to foam.

3

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking; remove them to a plate and set aside.

4

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

5

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

6

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

7

Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute to warm through, then remove from heat.

8

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in 15 Mins Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 320

Total Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Cholesterol: 220mg

Sodium: 650mg

Carbohydrates: 3g

Protein: 24g

Did You Make This?

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The Role of White Wine in the Sauce

White wine adds a layer of sophistication to this easy shrimp scampi recipe that tastes gourmet. It deglazes the pan, lifting all the flavorful bits left from cooking the shrimp, and introduces a bright acidity to balance the rich butter. Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.

Pairing Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi

This dish shines when paired with the right accompaniments. Serve it over al dente linguine or spaghetti to let the pasta absorb the garlic butter sauce with lemon & white wine. Alternatively, a loaf of crusty bread works wonders for dipping. For a lighter option, pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to round out the meal.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Overcooking shrimp is a common mistake, but it’s easy to avoid. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape—this means they’re done. Cooking them for just 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat is usually enough. If they start to form a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and may become rubbery. Always keep a close eye on them!

Customizing Your Shrimp Scampi

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, toss in some spinach for extra nutrition, or sprinkle in grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist. You can also adjust the heat level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes. Make it your own while keeping that classic garlic butter base intact.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Make Shrimp Scampi Without Wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable stock for a similar depth of flavor. Add an extra splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity that wine provides. The result will still be a delicious garlic butter sauce with lemon that complements the shrimp beautifully.

How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them tough.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work wonderfully for this 15-minute meal. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or under cold running water for about 10 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.

What’s the Best Pasta for Shrimp Scampi?

Long, thin pasta like linguine or spaghetti is ideal because it holds onto the sauce well. Angel hair pasta is another great option for a lighter texture. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions, and toss it directly with the shrimp and sauce for the best flavor integration.