This garlic butter shrimp scampi is fast, flavorful, and ready in just 10 minutes! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Shrimp scampi cooking in a skillet.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi has always been one of those dishes that feels impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. With tender shrimp, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a touch of optional lemon, it’s bright, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.

I love keeping shrimp on hand for quick meals whether it’s grilled shrimp skewers in the summer or cocktail shrimp year-round. But this classic scampi recipe? It’s a go-to that always hits the spot.

Ingredients

Shrimp scampi ingredients on counter.

Recipe Tips

  • Sauté garlic gently: Garlic can burn fast and turn bitter. Cook it just until golden and fragrant, then add the remaining ingredients to avoid overheating.
  • Add a little heat: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds subtle spice and depth.
  • Start with thawed shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Excess moisture can dilute the sauce and prevent a good sear.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, just 1–2 minutes per side depending on their size. Remove them from the pan once they turn pink and opaque.
  • Keep the sauce light: Scampi sauce should coat the shrimp and pasta without being too heavy. Use just enough to bring everything together.
  • Finish with butter and parsley: Stir in a pat of butter or add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for the perfect finish.
Cooking shrimp scampi in a pot.

Shrimp Scampi without Wine

Wine adds a subtle depth of flavor to shrimp scampi, but it’s totally optional. You can swap it with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even fresh fish stock if you have some on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp scampi is most commonly served over pasta like linguine or spaghetti, but any long noodle will do. For a lighter option, try it over zucchini noodles, steamed rice, or even cauliflower rice.

Round out the meal with a crisp Caesar salad or some warm garlic bread for dipping into the buttery sauce.

Shrimp scampi in a white bowl with bread.

Looking for more seafood recipes? Here are just a few more to try crispy lemon baked fish and pan seared salmon and ceviche.

More Shrimp Recipes

Cooking shrimp scampi in a pot.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

5 from 13 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
This garlic butter shrimp scampi is fast, flavorful, and ready in just 10 minutes! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice.
Print Pin This! Rate

Video

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 garlic cloves)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine or broth
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt , or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper , to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes , optional
  • 1 ¾ pounds large or extra-large shrimp , peeled and deveined

Optional for serving: Juice of 1/2 lemon, Chopped parsley, and Cooked linguine

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, melt 4 Tablespoons butter with 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup dry wine, 3/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer 2 minutes, or until sauce is reduced by half.
  • Add 1 3/4 pounds shrimp and sauté 1 to 2 minutes, or until just starting to turn pink. Flip the shrimp and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until pink and cooked through, being careful not to overcook.
  • Stir in the parsley and lemon juice and serve over pasta, if desired.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Broth: Unless you have a homemade fish broth, I would recommend using a chicken broth to get the most flavor. 
Variations:
  • Gluten-free: Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables.
  • Tails-on: Leave the tails on the shrimp for added flavor.
Storage: This dish tastes best fresh from the pan, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Be careful when reheating not to overcook the shrimp.
Freezer: Store in a freezer safe container in the freezer up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 280mg, Sodium: 1651mg, Potassium: 246mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 726IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 115mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.