Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined; 9 cloves garlic, 5 finely chopped, 4 grated, divided; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided; 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 3 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, divided; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup dry white wine; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for serving

If you love seafood that’s bursting with bold, buttery flavors, then you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients but tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. Plus, it’s super quick to make, so perfect when you want a weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my little tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Flavor Explosion: Garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine create a sauce that’s rich but balanced with brightness.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish every time, making it great for entertaining or weeknight family meals.
Versatile: Whether you want to serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this recipe adapts easily.

A shiny copper pan filled with one layer of cooked shrimp in a light yellow creamy sauce, sprinkled with small green herbs and bits of red chili flakes. The shrimp are bright orange and pink with white edges and their tails still on. A silver spoon rests inside the pan, holding three shrimp in sauce. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with some chunks of light brown bread around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, shrimp scampi pasta, easy seafood dinner, quick shrimp recipes, flavorful shrimp dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine classic flavors that complement shrimp perfectly. I always lean on fresh garlic and zesty lemon to brighten the richness of the butter, and using both grated and chopped garlic adds layers of garlic goodness that you’ll really notice.

Flat lay of large raw shrimp with shells removed, several whole uncracked brown garlic cloves and some finely minced garlic, a small handful of coarse kosher salt crystals, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, a small pat of unsalted butter, a small white bowl with golden panko bread crumbs, thin strips of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white bowl with clear extra-virgin olive oil, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl filled with pale yellow dry white wine, a halved lemon showing juicy flesh, a small pile of fresh chopped bright green parsley all arranged symmetrically in a harmonious composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, shrimp scampi pasta, easy seafood dinner, quick shrimp recipes, flavorful shrimp dishes

Large shrimp: Look for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience, and make sure they’re fresh or properly thawed.
Garlic: Using both grated and chopped garlic is the trick I discovered to get a deep, authentic garlic flavor without any harsh bites.
Kosher salt: I prefer kosher because it’s less salty by volume and easier to control seasoning.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that subtle spicy kick.
Unsalted butter: Separating the butter in stages helps create a perfectly emulsified sauce.
Panko bread crumbs: Toasted with garlic and lemon zest, they give a lovely crunch and extra flavor dimension.
Lemon zest: Freshly grated lemon zest brightens the whole dish — never skip it!
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a silky touch and helps infuse the chili flakes.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming.
Dry white wine: I always use a good quality dry white wine — it’s the secret behind the complex, flavorful sauce.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for that perfect citrusy finish.
Fresh parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I often play around with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood we’re in. It’s easy to tailor it to your tastes and needs — don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes double the red pepper flakes when I want a bit more heat; just be sure to balance it with the lemon juice to keep it bright.
Herb Swap: If I’m out of parsley, fresh basil or thyme can work great, giving the dish a different but delicious herbal note.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to keep it light and paleo-friendly.
Shellfish Mix-Up: You can easily substitute scallops or chunks of firm white fish if shrimp isn’t your favorite or is unavailable.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp with Garlic

Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 cloves of grated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. I like to let them chill in the fridge for no more than 30 minutes — this brief marination helps the shrimp soak up garlic flavor without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Toast the Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

While the shrimp is chilling, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a small skillet. Once the foam dies down, add 2 more grated cloves of garlic and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until fragrant — don’t let it burn! Next, toss in the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Then add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Trust me, these little breadcrumbs add a texture and flavor punch that’s such a fun surprise when you sprinkle them on top at the end.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp (work in batches if your pan is small) and cook, tossing occasionally, until they’re just pink throughout — this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Overcooking is a common mistake here, so keep a close eye! Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate as soon as they’re done.

Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and the remaining 5 chopped garlic cloves, stirring often, for about 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic just begins to brown — that’s when the flavor is at its best, so don’t rush it! Next, pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and the last 2 teaspoons of lemon zest. Let it simmer and reduce by about one-third (about 3 minutes). Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and swirl in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, adding it one tablespoon at a time so it emulsifies nicely into the sauce. Finish by stirring in fresh parsley for vivid color and freshness.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce, Finish with Crunch

Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss everything gently in the luscious sauce and cook for another 2 minutes just to warm through. To finish, sprinkle the toasted garlic breadcrumbs and a little extra parsley on top — this step takes the dish to another level, I promise!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Don’t Overcook Your Shrimp: They cook fast, so once they turn pink and opaque, pull them off the heat to keep them tender and juicy.
Garlic Prep Matters: Using both grated and chopped garlic softens the garlic intensity perfectly without overpowering the dish.
Butter in Stages: Adding butter a tablespoon at a time while swirling helps create that silky, emulsified sauce everyone raves about.
Toast Breadcrumbs Last: They add texture and amazing flavor—don’t skip this step or you’ll miss out on the signature crunch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top my shrimp scampi with a sprinkle of the toasted garlic breadcrumbs and a handful of fresh parsley. It not only looks beautiful but adds that irresistible crunch and a pop of color. Sometimes I toss in an extra squeeze of lemon juice right before serving just to brighten everything up even more.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic served over a bed of al dente linguine or spaghetti. You can also go with creamy risotto or even garlic mashed potatoes to soak up that buttery sauce. Of course, crusty bread is a must-have in my book — it lets you mop up every last bit of that incredible scampi sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to present this shrimp scampi in a large, shallow serving dish garnished with whole lemon wedges and a sprinkling of microgreens or fresh basil leaves. It feels elegant but is so inviting that guests always dig right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to 2 days, though I recommend enjoying it as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture. The garlic breadcrumbs lose their crunch, but you can re-toast some fresh panko while reheating to bring back that delightful texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t my favorite since the shrimp can become rubbery once thawed and reheated. If you must freeze, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately from the breadcrumbs to preserve texture better. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of white wine or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to make the shrimp tough. When reheated properly, it still tastes pretty close to freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking and pat them dry to avoid watery sauce. This will help the shrimp sear nicely and keep the sauce rich and tasty.
What kind of white wine is best for shrimp scampi?

I recommend a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Chardonnay. These wines bring acidity and flavor without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

This shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with pasta, garlic bread, or even a simple green salad. For low-carb options, try serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something impressive but fuss-free. The combination of garlicky butter, lemon brightness, and tender shrimp hits all the right notes every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never fails to make weeknight dinners feel special. Give it a try and let me know what you think!