This easy garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe features succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce made with a savory broth.1 It’s a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or a simple yet elegant dinner for the whole family.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and tastes incredible, you’ve come to the right place. This version uses a savory broth to create a rich sauce that’s full of flavor. Trust me, this will become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
Jump to Section
Key Takeaways
- Ready in a Flash: This entire dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute meal.
- Family-Friendly: Made with savory broth, this delicious recipe is perfect for everyone at the table.2
- Incredibly Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is the star—a rich, savory combination that’s simply irresistible.
- So Versatile: Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or alongside veggies like my Easy Baked Zucchini for a lighter meal.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- That Irresistible Aroma: The second the garlic hits the hot butter, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly. It’s the official scent of “something delicious is about to happen.”
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time: I’ll show you my foolproof method for getting tender, juicy shrimp that are never tough or rubbery.
- The Ultimate Butter Sauce: It’s silky, garlicky, and has a bright finish from the fresh lemon juice. You’ll want to soak up every last drop!
- A One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes? Yes, please! Everything cooks in a single skillet, which is a total game-changer for cleanup, just like my popular One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
- Good-for-You Protein: Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied long after dinner is over.
- Looks Super Impressive: This dish looks like it came from a fancy restaurant, but only you will know how ridiculously easy it was to make.
A Taste of Home-Style Comfort
Some of my favorite recipes are the ones that feel special yet are incredibly simple to make. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is exactly that. I wanted to create a version with a deeply savory sauce that everyone could enjoy.
I found that using a quality chicken broth adds a wonderful depth that pairs perfectly with the garlic and lemon. It’s become a real family favorite because it’s so comforting and delicious. This recipe is all about bringing that feeling of a satisfying, easy, and flavorful meal to your kitchen, much like a warm bowl of my Slow Cooker Beef Stew on a chilly evening.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple and delicious dish:
| Ingredient | Notes & Substitutions |
| Olive Oil & Butter | Use good quality extra-virgin olive oil and unsalted butter. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan butter substitute and more olive oil. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic is key for the best flavor! If you love garlic as much as I do, you have to try my Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs. |
| Large Shrimp | I like large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on if you like. Frozen shrimp works great too, just thaw them completely. |
| Chicken or Vegetable Broth | This creates the savory base of the sauce. Use a good quality broth for the best results. |
| Lemon Juice | Freshly squeezed is a must! It adds that essential brightness to the sauce. |
| Seasoning | Salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick). |
| Fresh Parsley | Chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely fresh, herbaceous finish. |
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet or sauté pan is ideal.
- Tongs: For easily handling the shrimp.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping the garlic and parsley.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Step-by-Step
- Heat the Fats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter until the butter is melted and creates little bubbles.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30-60 seconds, until it smells wonderful. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Cook the Shrimp (First Side): Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.3 Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side, until they begin to turn pink.4 Try not to move them so they get a nice sear.
- Flip and Add Broth: Flip the shrimp over using your tongs. Immediately pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the broth has reduced slightly and the shrimp are fully cooked (pink and opaque).
- Finish the Sauce: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the fresh lemon juice, and the chopped parsley. The heat from the pan will melt the butter and create a beautiful, glossy sauce.
- Serve Hot: Toss everything together gently and serve immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread or a side of my simple Easy Baked Zucchini.
Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp! This is the most important rule. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery.5
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry before cooking.6 This helps them get a nice sear instead of just steaming.
- Use a Big Enough Pan: Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the shrimp will steam. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice! It adds a crucial brightness that balances the rich sauce.
- Add Butter Off the Heat: Stirring in the final butter off the heat helps create a smooth and luscious sauce. This little trick works wonders, just like in my recipe for Creamy Chicken Garlic Pasta Recipe.
What to Serve With This Shrimp Scampi
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is fantastic on its own, but here are some great serving suggestions:
- Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta are classic choices.7
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that amazing garlic butter sauce.
- Rice: Steamed white rice or a flavorful rice pilaf.
- Vegetables: A simple side of roasted asparagus or my delicious Easy Baked Zucchini.
- A Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra broth or water until heated through. Microwaving can sometimes make the shrimp tough.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 200mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g |
| Protein | 23g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated for one serving (this recipe makes 4) and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
What is the scampi sauce made of?
The delicious scampi sauce in this recipe is made from a savory base of melted butter and olive oil, lots of fragrant garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, and a bright finish of fresh lemon juice and parsley.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
The biggest mistake is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough.8 Another common error is burning the garlic.9 Finally, always use fresh lemon juice; the bottled kind just doesn’t compare for brightening up the dish!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just make sure they are completely thawed before you start. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes.
What goes well with garlic shrimp scampi?
This dish pairs wonderfully with anything that can soak up the delicious sauce! Classic choices include pasta, crusty bread, and rice.10 It’s also great with steamed or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! It’s proof that simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Be sure to leave a comment and a star rating below if you give it a try – your feedback is so helpful!
And for another easy and delicious meal idea, check out my Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs!
Craving something new? Follow us on Facebook & Pinterest and spice up your meal plans!
Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe features succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce made with a savory broth. It’s a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink.
Flip the shrimp, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the fresh lemon juice, and the chopped parsley until the butter melts, creating a glossy sauce.
Toss everything to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The #1 tip! Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
Pat Shrimp Dry: For the best sear, pat your shrimp completely dry with a paper towel before adding them to the skillet.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, use a high-quality vegan butter substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, 20-minute meal