Why You’ll Love this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This garlic butter shrimp scampi transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.
I’m talking perfectly tender shrimp swimming in a buttery wine sauce with just the right amount of garlic. It’s impossibly easy but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The versatility is what makes this recipe a keeper. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up that heavenly sauce.
Can’t handle wine? No problem—chicken broth works beautifully too.
And the best part? It’s ready in under 15 minutes. Weeknight dinner hero, anyone?
What Ingredients are in Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?
The beauty of garlic butter shrimp scampi lies in its simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients that work together to create something truly magical. When these ingredients mingle in a hot pan, they transform into a rich, aromatic sauce that clings perfectly to each succulent shrimp.
The balance of butter, garlic, and wine creates that signature scampi flavor that makes you want to lick your plate clean (not that I’m admitting to doing that).
- 1 (16 ounce) bag large shrimp
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
When shopping for this recipe, the quality of your shrimp matters quite a bit. I prefer using large or jumbo shrimp—they’re more forgiving if you accidentally cook them a minute too long.
Frozen shrimp work perfectly fine (and are often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter), but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. As for the wine, any dry white will do—Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even Chardonnay.
No need to break the bank, but maybe don’t use something you wouldn’t drink, either?
How to Make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Making shrimp scampi might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s one of those impressive-yet-simple dishes that comes together in minutes. First, you’ll need to properly defrost your 1 pound (16 ounce) bag of large shrimp according to package instructions—usually this means placing them in a colander under cool running water for a few minutes.
Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking; wet shrimp won’t sear properly, and we’re after that beautiful caramelization that adds flavor.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1/4 cup olive oil until it shimmers slightly. Add your 1/4 cup diced onion and 2 tablespoons minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Can you smell that heavenly aroma?
Next, pour in 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer) and let it simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes. This step is essential for developing depth of flavor—the alcohol cooks off while the wine concentrates into a delicious base for our sauce.
Now for the star of the show—add your shrimp to the pan and cook just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook incredibly fast, and there’s nothing sadder than overcooked, rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye on them.
Once they’re just about done, stir in 4 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon fresh oregano and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. Let the butter melt into the sauce, creating that signature silky texture.
For large batches of this recipe, a premium stand mixer can help you efficiently prepare all the ingredients before cooking.
Season with 1/2 tablespoon black pepper and salt to taste. Then simply serve your garlic butter shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta or rice, spooning plenty of that gorgeous sauce over everything.
The whole dish takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish—who says elegant has to be complicated?
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Substitutions and Variations
While traditional shrimp scampi follows a time-honored formula, don’t feel confined to the exact ingredients listed in the recipe.
I’m all about making this dish your own.
No white wine? Chicken broth works perfectly, as noted in the recipe. You can also try lemon juice mixed with a bit of water for bright acidity.
Fresh herbs unavailable? Dried herbs will do in a pinch—just use about a third of the amount.
Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or even a splash of cream for richness.
The beauty of scampi? Its flexibility.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Deciding what to pair with your garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi can elevate this already delicious dish to spectacular heights.
The recipe itself suggests serving with pasta or rice, both classic choices that soak up that incredible sauce.
I’m partial to linguine or angel hair pasta personally, but crusty bread works wonderfully too. Simply divine for sauce-dipping.
For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Want to round out the meal? A crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich, buttery flavors.
Don’t forget a chilled glass of the same white wine you cooked with!
Final Thoughts
This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe has truly earned its place in my regular dinner rotation, thanks to its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates that restaurant-quality flavor profile we all crave, but right in your own kitchen.
What I love most about this dish? It’s incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for sopping up that divine sauce.
And talk about a time-saver—from start to finish in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
