15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Featured in: Quick Suppers

This dish features large shrimp sautéed to perfection with garlic in a bright lemon-butter sauce. The shrimp cook quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings. White wine or broth adds depth while fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten the flavors. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying yet light meal. The balance of garlic, butter, and citrus is simple but elegant, bringing bold taste with minimal effort.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:23:00 GMT
Golden garlic shrimp scampi, a quick Italian-American dish with tender shrimp and bright lemon zest. Save
Golden garlic shrimp scampi, a quick Italian-American dish with tender shrimp and bright lemon zest. | shiftoven.com

A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.

This dish has become a staple in my kitchen for last-minute dinners and impressing guests alike.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, finely minced, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth), Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons), Zest of 1 lemon
  • Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • To Serve: Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

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Step 1:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Add the garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4:
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Step 5:
Pour in the wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 6:
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
Step 7:
Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Step 8:
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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| shiftoven.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes. Substitute fresh basil or chives for parsley if desired. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring spoons and cups, knife and cutting board.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 240, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 4 g, Protein 24 g.

Sizzling 15-minute garlic shrimp scampi, served over pasta and drizzled with a buttery, citrusy sauce. Save
Sizzling 15-minute garlic shrimp scampi, served over pasta and drizzled with a buttery, citrusy sauce. | shiftoven.com
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This garlic shrimp scampi is a perfect blend of simplicity and taste, ideal for any occasion.

Recipe Q&A

What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal as they cook evenly and absorb the garlicky lemon butter flavors well.

Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?

Yes, dry white wine can be replaced with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version without sacrificing flavor.

How can I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This dish goes well with cooked pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I adjust the heat level of the dish?

Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes during sautéing adds a subtle heat, adjustable to taste.

Are there alternatives to parsley for garnish?

Fresh basil or chives can be used instead of parsley to provide a different herbal note that complements the lemon and garlic.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Tender shrimp cooked in garlicky lemon butter sauce, perfect for quick main meals.

Time to Prep
5 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Overall Time
15 min
Recipe by Samuel Hill


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Low in Carbs

What You Need

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatics

01 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
02 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
04 Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
05 Zest of 1 lemon

Herbs

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

To Serve

01 Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice (optional)
02 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Season shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 02

Heat fats: In a large skillet, warm olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if using; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 04

Cook shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 05

Deglaze pan: Pour in white wine or broth and lemon juice, scraping the skillet bottom; simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 06

Finish sauce: Stir in remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon zest, and chopped parsley; toss to coat shrimp evenly.

Step 07

Adjust seasoning: Remove from heat and taste; add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as preferred.

Step 08

Serve: Immediately plate shrimp over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Review each item to spot allergens, and consult a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy; gluten possible if served with bread or pasta.

Nutrition (per serving)

For guidance only. Always check with a medical provider for advice.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 24 g