Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you craving something quick, delicious, and oh-so-easy to make? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that you’ll want to make over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for quick family dinners!
- Packed with garlic butter flavor that everyone will love.
- Light, fresh, and pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or veggies.
- A great base recipe that you can customize to your taste.
- One of the best 30-minute meals you’ll ever make!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic (large, minced, or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic)
- 1 1/4 pounds shrimp (large prawns, shelled with tails on or off)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch cracked pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed, or to taste – optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds – 1 minute). Then add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side (until just beginning to turn pink), then flip.
- Pour in wine (or broth), add red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half and the shrimp is cooked through (don’t over cook your shrimp).
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be just pink and opaque.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture.
- If you’re serving this as a creamy garlic pasta dish, toss cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce before adding the shrimp.
- For an extra spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
How to Serve
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve over easy pasta recipes like spaghetti or linguine for a classic shrimp scampi experience.
- Pair it with garlic bread for a simple but satisfying meal.
- Toss it with steamed veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or cauliflower for a lighter option.
- Try it with a side of garlic mushroom pasta for a hearty weeknight dinner idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
While this recipe is best made fresh, you can prepare some elements ahead of time:
- Chop the garlic and parsley up to a day in advance.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of lemon juice to refresh the dish.
And there you have it—a quick, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for easy shrimp scampi recipes or just a tasty meal to add to your 30-minute meals rotation, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite recipes like honey and garlic roasted mushrooms or garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet for more delicious ideas. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/4 pounds shrimp large prawns, shelled with tails on or off
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed, or to taste – optional
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds – 1 minute). Then add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side (until just beginning to turn pink), then flip.
- Pour in wine (or broth), add red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half and the shrimp is cooked through (don’t over cook your shrimp).
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately.
- Serve over rice, pasta, garlic bread or steamed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini noodles).