If you’re jonesing for seafood flavor without much fuss, Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi truly hits the spot. Plump, buttery shrimp are tossed in a garlicky, lemony sauce with just a hint of heat, all in a matter of minutes. This dish feels restaurant fancy, but you’ll be amazed how little effort and how few ingredients it actually takes. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a last-minute dinner party showstopper, Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi is about to become your favorite go-to recipe.

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi is all about top-notch, minimal ingredients working in harmony. Each one earns its place, delivering a punch of flavor, the perfect texture, and those inviting colors that make this classic dish irresistible.

Shrimp (1 pound, extra large, 26-30/lb., thawed & peeled, tails optional): Choose plump, deveined shrimp for the juiciest, most flavorful bite.
Butter (1/2 cup, divided): This key ingredient provides a silky, decadent base for the sauce.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Nothing matches the punch of fresh garlic; it’s the aromatic backbone of this scampi.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A pinch of heat that brings dimension, but feel free to adjust or skip if you’re spice-shy!
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Wine gently lifts the flavors, but broth is a tasty alternative for alcohol-free cooking.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Bright citrus balances the richness and adds irresistible zing.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon): For color and an earthy, fresh-up finish.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): The final adjustment for a perfectly seasoned scampi every time.

How to Make Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp and Ingredients

Start by making sure your shrimp are thawed and peeled. If you picked up frozen shrimp, just run them under cool water in a colander for quick thawing. Now’s the time to remove those veins if needed, and don’t forget to prep every other ingredient in advance—the cooking goes lightning fast once you start!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Set your skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter. The aroma starts here, as the butter turns glossy and gently foamy, prepping the perfect base to coat each shrimp in decadent flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Add your shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them sizzle for about one minute per side—just until they blush pink and start to curl. Using cooking tongs makes the flipping quick and easy, preventing any overcooking.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic and Heat

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and, if you’re up for it, those red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for about 30 seconds. You’ll smell the transformation as the garlic turns fragrant and the pepper flakes bloom in the hot butter.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine or Broth

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, letting it bubble away for 2 minutes. This step pulls up all the delicious browned bits and builds a luscious, subtle sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon, More Butter, and Parsley

Now, add the rest of the butter, all the lemon juice, and the parsley. Stir until the butter melts completely. Give the whole pan a gentle swirl and then remove from the heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper to make those bright and savory notes sing.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

A final shower of fresh parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and a touch of earthiness to each plate. If you’re a lemon lover, serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing at the table—nothing amps up the freshness quite like it!

Side Dishes

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi is magical over a tangle of linguine or spaghetti, where the garlicky sauce can coat every strand. For a lighter meal, pile the shrimp onto a bed of wilted spinach or spoon them over cauliflower rice. Crusty bread is practically mandatory for catching every last drop of buttery sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try threading the shrimp on skewers and serving scampi-style as a fun finger food. You can also scoop everything into little appetizer cups with toothpicks for a passed hors d’oeuvre twist. Or simply go rustic—pile it all high on a beautiful platter with a sprinkle of extra herbs for a family-style centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftovers, just transfer your Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to two days. The flavors even mingle a bit more, making each bite just as crave-worthy!

Freezing

While possible, freezing cooked shrimp can affect their texture. If you do need to freeze, store in a freezer-safe container and use within a month for best results. Be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results, warm your shrimp scampi slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce. Microwave reheating is possible in a pinch; just heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking those tender shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp directly without thawing?

It’s always best to thaw shrimp first for even cooking and the best tender texture. Running them under cold water in a colander makes this step quick and easy—just a few minutes and you’re ready to go!

What’s the best type of wine for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully in Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi. If you’re not cooking with wine, a good low-sodium chicken broth is a fine substitute for echoing the same savory notes.

Can I make Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi dairy-free?

Absolutely! Try swapping the butter for a good-quality dairy-free alternative or even olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but the richness and delicious garlicky base will remain front and center.

What kind of pasta goes best with scampi?

Linguine is the classic pick because it grabs onto the sauce, but spaghetti or angel hair are also delicious. If you’re gluten-free or skipping carbs, zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables are wonderful alternatives with Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi.

How do I prevent the shrimp from turning rubbery?

Keep a close eye during cooking—shrimp cook fast, usually about a minute per side. As soon as they turn pink and start to curl, get them out of the pan to ensure they stay juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

Once you realize how quick and satisfying it is to whip up this Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your dinner rotation. It’s restaurant special, weeknight simple, and an absolute treat for seafood lovers. Don’t wait—give it a try, and I bet it’ll be love at first bite!

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe that is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound uncooked extra large (26-30/lb. size) shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails optional)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick) (divided)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp: Thaw and peel the shrimp, devein if desired.
Melt Butter: In a skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 minute per side.
Add Flavors: Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 30 seconds.
Add Wine: Pour in wine or broth, let it bubble for 2 minutes.
Finish Dish: Add remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir until butter melts, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.