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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Perfect for Quick 15-Minute Dinners

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A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe featuring a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc) or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely and start to bubble slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter. Stir frequently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on the first side without moving them to get a nice sear.
  5. Flip shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  6. Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom.
  7. Add the juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  10. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to avoid steaming and watery sauce. Stir garlic constantly and avoid browning it to prevent bitterness. Deglaze pan with wine or broth to enhance flavor. Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more liquid. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days and reheat gently with added broth or butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, 15-minute meal, seafood, weeknight dinner