Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi (Better Than Any Restaurant Version)

If you’re craving a fast yet elegant seafood dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy wild-caught shrimp are marinated, quickly seared, and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce with lemon and white wine. It’s one of those shrimp scampi recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for busy weeknights.

Serve it over pasta, fluffy white rice, or zucchini noodles or simply mop up the sauce with crusty sourdough bread. This is classic comfort seafood at its best.

table of contents

Why This Shrimp Scampi Is a Must-Make

• Ready in under 35 minutes
• Bright, buttery, garlicky flavor
• Perfect for pasta, rice, or low-carb options
• Naturally pork-free
• Restaurant-quality at home

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Marinate Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Calories: ~352 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 lb wild-caught large shrimp, shelled & deveined
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 tbsp butter
• ⅓ cup white wine or chicken stock (alcohol-free option)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Shrimp

Thaw shrimp in cool water. Remove shells and devein. Rinse and pat dry.

Marinate

Toss shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, half the garlic, ½ tsp salt, and red pepper flakes. Let marinate for 20 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–1½ minutes per side until just opaque. Remove shrimp.

Make the Sauce

Melt 3 tbsp butter in the skillet. Add remaining garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Stir in wine (or stock) and lemon juice. Simmer 5 minutes until reduced.

Finish

Return shrimp and juices to the pan. Add remaining butter and salt to taste. Sprinkle with parsley and cook 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Serving Ideas

• Over linguine or spaghetti
• With white or brown rice
• Zucchini noodles for low-carb
• With sourdough bread for dipping

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook fast
• Remove browned garlic if it burns (it turns bitter)
• Use wild-caught shrimp for best flavor
• Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	352 kcal
Carbohydrates	2 g
Protein	24 g
Fat	27 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Cholesterol	316 mg
Sodium	1597 mg
Potassium	124 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Vitamin A	508 IU
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	173 mg
Iron	3 mg

Disclaimer

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and substitutions. Always adjust recipes to meet dietary needs.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. With juicy shrimp, bold garlic butter sauce, and a bright lemon finish, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again perfect for quick dinners, date nights, or elegant entertaining.