If you’re craving something fancy but need it on the table in a flash, this Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a total game-changer. I absolutely love how buttery, garlicky, and fresh it tastes with just a handful of simple ingredients. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how effortless it is to nail that restaurant-quality shrimp scampi right at home. Keep reading, because this recipe will soon be your go-to whenever you want something delicious and quick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Cooking: You’ll have dinner ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated pantry items—ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic, lemon, and white wine combo makes the shrimp taste luxurious.
- Always Impressive: Even guests will think you spent hours on this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe, simple fresh ingredients come together beautifully. I love using large peeled shrimp because they cook quickly and feel extra special, plus fresh garlic and lemon make all the difference.
- Shrimp: I use peeled, thawed extra-large shrimp (26-30 count per pound) for quick cooking and a nice bite.
- Butter: Using real butter—not margarine—gives that rich flavor, and I split it so the sauce develops perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key—you want that punchy flavor shining through.
- Red pepper flakes: Totally optional, but I love the subtle heat it adds to balance the richness.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Wine adds brightness and depth, but chicken broth works for those who prefer no alcohol.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best here—it adds amazing brightness to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped right before serving, it adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Salt & Pepper: Essentials for seasoning to your taste.
Variations
I like to keep this Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe pretty classic, but honestly, you can tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne really wakes up the dish—my family goes crazy for this twist.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: If you want it even richer, stir in a little grated Parmesan cheese at the end (trust me, it’s delicious).
- Gluten-Free: Swap the wine for gluten-free chicken broth and serve over gluten-free pasta or zoodles.
- Herb Boost: Try adding fresh basil or tarragon along with the parsley for a fresh twist.
- Protein Swap: If you’re not a shrimp fan, thinly sliced chicken breast works well too, though cooking times vary.
How to Make Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Get Organized
Since this Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe cooks so fast, prep is everything. Make sure your shrimp are thawed—running them under cold water in a colander works perfectly—and peeled if they’re not already. I like to devein large shrimp for a cleaner taste; if you haven’t done that before, it’s easier than it sounds and well worth it for presentation. Mince your garlic, chop parsley, measure out butter and lemon juice, and have everything within arm’s reach before heating the pan. This prep hustle will save you from scrambling once the stove’s on!
Step 2: Cook Shrimp and Start Sauce
Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s nice and melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them about 1 minute per side—you want them pink and just opaque. Using tongs really helps flip them quickly so they don’t overcook. Shrimp cook super fast, so keep an eye on them or they’ll get rubbery. Once cooked, toss the garlic and red pepper flakes in and sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. This part makes the kitchen smell incredible.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce with Wine, Butter, and Lemon
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer) and let it bubble away for about 2 minutes—this will slightly reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors. Then, add the rest of the butter, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Stir gently until the butter melts into a silky sauce. I always turn the heat off right after to avoid breaking the butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, give it one last stir, and you’re ready to serve. Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe done right!
Pro Tips for Making Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking shrimp in batches if needed ensures they sear beautifully instead of steaming.
- Use Real Butter: It really makes that buttery sauce silky and rich; margarine just won’t have the same wow factor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adding fresh juice brightens up the whole dish more than pre-bottled lemon juice could.
- Cook Shrimp Just Right: Shrimp take only a couple minutes—overcooking makes them tough, so watch closely and remove from heat promptly.
How to Serve Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish my shrimp scampi with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little lemon zest when I have it on hand—it just adds that fresh pop of color and flavor. A bit of grated Parmesan is a guilty pleasure I sometimes indulge in, too. It’s subtle but adds a nutty richness that’s unexpected and so good!
Side Dishes
This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a handful of simple sides: I love tossing it over linguine or spaghetti, but creamy mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus work wonders, too. Garlic bread is the obvious crowd-pleaser—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve my shrimp scampi in pretty shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side and a sprinkle of microgreens. Or try layering atop a bed of sautéed spinach with a drizzle of good olive oil for that Instagram-worthy look. It’s simple but feels fancy and always earns compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover shrimp scampi into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It stays good for up to 2 days, but honestly, it’s best eaten fresh! The shrimp can get a bit rubbery if stored too long, so when you do save leftovers, plan to enjoy them soon.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp scampi isn’t my favorite because the texture changes after thawing—it tends to get watery or rubbery. If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the shrimp and sauce separately, then reheating gently and combining before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of white wine or broth during reheating helps keep the sauce silky. Microwaving works in a pinch but can toughen shrimp quickly, so stove-top is my preferred method.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely by running under cold water in a colander, then pat dry. This prevents excess water in the pan and helps the shrimp sear nicely.
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What type of wine should I use?
I recommend a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio since they add brightness without sweetness. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, chicken broth works well as a substitute.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you stick to the basic ingredients. Just be sure to serve over gluten-free pasta or vegetables instead of traditional pasta.
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How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
Watch the shrimp closely—they only need about 1 minute per side until pink and opaque. As soon as they change color, remove from heat to keep them tender and juicy.
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Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps them cook evenly and get that lovely sear.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinners because it’s fast, simple, and tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. I love how the vibrant lemon and garlic flavors brighten the rich butter sauce, making it so comforting yet fresh. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this dish always earns rave reviews. Give it a try and see how easily you can bring a taste of the coast into your own kitchen!
Print
Quick 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 Fast & Simple Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers a rich and flavorful dish using succulent extra-large shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, accented with a splash of white wine and fresh lemon juice. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal that tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound uncooked extra large (26-30/lb. size) shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails optional)
Butter & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Liquids & Herbs
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: If frozen, thaw the shrimp by running them under cool water in a colander. Devein the shrimp if needed. Prepare all ingredients ahead of time to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Melt butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter to create the flavorful base for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute per side, turning quickly with tongs until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add garlic and pepper flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and allow it to bubble and reduce for 2 minutes, intensifying the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This shrimp scampi recipe is fast and easy, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- The bright lemon juice and garlic combined with white wine give it an irresistible, luxurious flavor.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best eating experience and quick cooking.
- Swap white wine for chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version without losing richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1090 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 347 mg
