15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Sensation

You know, some weeknights, you just want something that feels a little special, right? Something elegant but doesn’t need a whole production. That’s exactly why I created this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe for you. True to my whole philosophy here at Unfold Recipes, it’s all about that approachable elegance – making beautiful, delicious food feel totally doable. It comes together in about 15 minutes flat, which is just *chef’s kiss* for those busy evenings. So, get ready to whip up something gorgeous that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though you definitely didn’t!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Seriously, what’s not to adore about this dish? You get that gorgeous garlic butter shrimp scampi flavor that feels so fancy, but it’s genuinely ready in just 15 minutes. It’s so incredibly easy, even if you’re new to cooking shrimp. Plus, it’s super versatile!

• Speedy: We’re talking a delicious seafood dinner in just 15 minutes. Perfect for those nights you’ve got zero time.
• Seriously Easy: No complicated steps here! Just simple sautéing and a fabulous sauce.
• Incredible Flavor: That classic combo of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon? Pure magic.
• So Versatile: Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or even over over zucchini noodles if you’re feeling light.

Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this fabulous garlic butter shrimp scampi. It’s a short list, which is part of why it’s so great for a quick weeknight meal!

Here’s what to grab:

• Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Make sure they’re nice and dry!
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Using good butter really makes a difference here.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s the star!
• White Wine: 1/4 cup of dry white wine. Something like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Bottled just won’t give you that bright zing.
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. It adds gorgeous color and freshness.
• Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to your taste.
• For Serving: Some cooked pasta or crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce!

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Essential Equipment for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

You don’t need a whole fancy setup for this garlic butter shrimp scampi! Just a few basic things from your kitchen will do the trick. I always grab:

• A good non-stick skillet (about 10-12 inches is ideal).
• A sharp knife for mincing garlic.
• A cutting board.
• Measuring spoons and cups.
• A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Okay, getting this incredible garlic butter shrimp scampi on the table is actually super straightforward. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for that amazing aroma to fill your kitchen! Let’s get cooking:

1. First things first, pat your shrimp really dry with paper towels. This little step is key for getting a nice sear. Then, give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper right before they hit the pan.
2. Melt your butter in a big skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and melted, not browned or anything.
3. Toss in your minced garlic. Oh my gosh, the smell at this point! Cook it for just about a minute until it’s fragrant. You don’t want it to burn, so keep an eye on it!
4. Now, add those seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to turn pink and opaque. They cook so fast, it’s amazing!
5. As soon as the shrimp are done, pour in your white wine and fresh lemon juice. Use your spoon to scrape up any yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor right there!
6. Let that sauce bubble and reduce for just about a minute. It’ll thicken up just a touch.
7. Stir in your fresh parsley. It makes everything look so pretty and adds that lovely fresh bite.
8. Give it one last taste and add a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
9. Serve this gorgeous garlic butter shrimp scampi immediately! It’s absolutely perfect piled high over some pasta or just with a big piece of crusty bread for dipping into that incredible sauce.

See? So easy and so, so delicious. It really is a dream for a quick dinner.

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Tips for Success with Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

I’ve made this garlic butter shrimp scampi more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make it shine! For starters, always, always pat your shrimp super dry. It’s the secret to those lovely little golden-brown edges instead of just steaming them. And don’t you dare overcook those shrimp! They go from perfectly tender to rubbery in like, 30 seconds. Listen to that sizzle, watch for that pretty pink color, and get them out of the pan. Also, using *fresh* garlic and lemon juice makes a colossal difference – trust me on that one!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Let’s chat about a few things in this garlic butter shrimp scampi that you might have questions about or want to play around with! For the white wine, any dry white like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc totally works, but if you don’t use wine, a little extra chicken broth or even just more lemon juice and water works too – it just won’t have that same depth. And for fresh parsley? Dried is okay in a pinch, just use about a third of the amount, but honestly, fresh really makes it pop!

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing garlic butter shrimp scampi all ready to go. Now, how do we make it a full meal? The classic way, and honestly, one of my absolute favorites, is over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. Think linguine or spaghetti – anything that can really catch that luscious, garlicky sauce. Or, grab a loaf of crusty bread! It’s *essential* for mopping up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a lighter touch, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette or maybe some steamed asparagus would be lovely, too!

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Storage and Reheating Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Got some yummy garlic butter shrimp scampi leftovers? Don’t toss them! Let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for about 2 days. Reheating is super quick – just gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

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Nutritional Estimate for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Alright, so you’re curious about the nitty-gritty, huh? While every kitchen and every little variation can change things up a bit, a typical serving of this wonderful garlic butter shrimp scampi comes in around 350 calories. You’re looking at about 20g of fat (don’t worry, a lot of that is the good stuff from butter and healthy fats!), roughly 10g of carbs, and a fantastic 25g of protein from those lovely shrimp. Remember, these are just estimates, but it’s a pretty satisfying meal without being too heavy!

Share Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Creation

Now that you’ve made this amazing garlic butter shrimp scampi, I just *have* to see it! Seriously, seeing your creations is the best part of this whole thing for me. Did you try it over pasta? With that crusty bread? Maybe you added some veggies? Please, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I promise I’ll give it a little love back!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

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A quick and elegant 15-minute garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

• Author: Cat
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 15 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sauté
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
7. Stir in the fresh parsley.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.

Notes

• For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream.
• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg