15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Featured in: Quick Family Suppers

This vibrant dish features large shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic and butter blend, brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest. With simple steps, shrimp cook quickly, absorbing flavors of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a luscious finish. Perfectly paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it’s a flavorful and speedy main that satisfies with minimal fuss, ideal for busy evenings or casual entertaining.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:54:00 GMT
Golden garlic shrimp scampi, perfectly sauteed and served over pasta with fresh herbs. Save Pin
Golden garlic shrimp scampi, perfectly sauteed and served over pasta with fresh herbs. | circuitcuisine.com

A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.

This dish became an instant favorite in my household, especially on busy weeknights when I want something fast but flavorful.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, finely minced, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth), Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons), Zest of 1 lemon
  • Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • To Serve: Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

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Step 1:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Add the garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4:
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Step 5:
Pour in the wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 6:
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
Step 7:
Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Step 8:
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Vibrant image of 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, glistening with butter and lemon in a pan. Save Pin
Vibrant image of 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, glistening with butter and lemon in a pan. | circuitcuisine.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table, enjoying good food and great conversation.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes. Substitute fresh basil or chives for parsley if desired. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring spoons and cups, knife and cutting board.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 240 Total Fat: 13 g Carbohydrates: 4 g Protein: 24 g per serving.

Delicious 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi featuring plump shrimp in a bright, flavorful sauce. Save Pin
Delicious 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi featuring plump shrimp in a bright, flavorful sauce. | circuitcuisine.com
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This garlic shrimp scampi is a delightful way to bring a gourmet touch to your weeknight dinners.

Cooking Questions & Answers

What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp provide the best texture and flavor, cooking quickly while absorbing the garlic and lemon sauce.

Can I adjust the heat level?

Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes enhances spiciness, or omit for a milder taste.

What is a good side to serve with this dish?

Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice complement the shrimp and soak up the flavorful sauce.

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp in a single layer over medium-high heat just until they turn pink and opaque, usually 1–2 minutes per side.

Are there alternatives to white wine in the sauce?

Dry white wine adds acidity and depth, but chicken broth works well as a substitute for a non-alcoholic option.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Tender shrimp cooked in a lemon-butter garlic sauce, ready quickly for any occasion.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Duration
15 min
Created by Daniel Murphy


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Reduced-Carb

What You'll Need

Seafood

01 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatics

01 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
02 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (60 ml)
04 Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
05 Zest of 1 lemon

Herbs

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

To Serve

01 Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice (optional)
02 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Instruction 01

Prepare shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Instruction 02

Heat fats: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Instruction 03

Sauté aromatics: Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Instruction 04

Cook shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Instruction 05

Deglaze pan: Pour in white wine or broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Instruction 06

Finish sauce: Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss shrimp to coat evenly.

Instruction 07

Adjust seasoning: Remove from heat and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

Instruction 08

Serve: Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Always double-check ingredients for allergens. If unsure, connect with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy. Gluten may be present if served with bread or pasta.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. For medical concerns, consult your doctor.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 24 g