There's nothing quite like the rich aroma of garlic butter shrimp scampi filling the kitchen. This dish combines succulent shrimp, a buttery garlic-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an irresistible meal that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to make.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a quick yet impressive dinner to serve guests. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it became an instant favorite—ready in under 30 minutes but tasting like something from a high-end Italian restaurant. If you love garlicky, buttery seafood dishes, this one’s for you!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to shrimp dish. Garlic butter shrimp scampi is the perfect balance of elegance and ease, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.

First off, it’s incredibly quick to make. From prep to plate, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, restaurant-quality meal.

The flavors are absolutely mouthwatering. The combination of butter, garlic, white wine (or broth), and lemon creates a luscious sauce that coats the shrimp and pasta beautifully. Every bite bursts with savory, slightly tangy goodness.

This recipe is also surprisingly light yet satisfying. Unlike heavy cream-based pastas, this scampi sauce is rich but not overpowering. The freshness of the lemon juice keeps it balanced, making it perfect for warmer weather or when you crave something indulgent yet not too heavy.

It’s versatile and adaptable. You can swap the pasta for zucchini noodles, add a touch of spice with red pepper flakes, or make it keto-friendly by skipping the pasta altogether. However you choose to enjoy it, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of garlic butter shrimp scampi comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a dish that’s rich, garlicky, and absolutely delicious.

Shrimp is the star of the show, so it’s important to use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works well, too—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Butter and olive oil form the base of the sauce. The butter adds richness, while the olive oil prevents it from becoming too heavy. Using both ensures the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Garlic is what gives this dish its signature aroma and taste. Don’t skimp! Freshly minced garlic works best, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.

White wine or chicken broth helps create the delicious scampi sauce. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the flavor beautifully. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, low-sodium chicken broth works just as well.

Lemon juice and zest bring brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter and shrimp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must—bottled lemon juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor.

Pasta acts as the perfect base for soaking up all that buttery garlic sauce. Linguine or spaghetti work best, but you can also use angel hair for a lighter texture. For a low-carb version, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Making garlic butter shrimp scampi is quick and easy, but a few key steps will ensure you get the most flavor out of your ingredients.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—this can help thicken the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly. This step helps build depth of flavor in the sauce.

Next, lower the heat and stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for a minute, then return the shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat them in the flavorful mixture.

Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce needs a little extra body, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), garlic butter shrimp scampi stores well for a day or two. However, shrimp can become rubbery when reheated, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even tastier the next day.

For reheating, use a skillet over low heat instead of the microwave to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

Freezing is not recommended, as the butter sauce can separate and shrimp can become tough when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about garlic butter shrimp scampi is how easy it is to customize.

Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. A pinch of cayenne pepper also works for an extra kick.

Swap the pasta for a low-carb option like zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish light while still soaking up all that flavorful sauce.

Use a different protein if you’re not a shrimp fan. Scallops, chicken, or even tofu make excellent substitutes while still complementing the buttery garlic sauce.

Try a creamy version by stirring in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, more indulgent sauce. This adds a luxurious texture without overpowering the garlic and lemon flavors.

Go dairy-free by replacing the butter with extra olive oil and using nutritional yeast for a hint of cheesiness. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be absolutely delicious.

No matter how you customize it, garlic butter shrimp scampi is a foolproof dish that’s bound to impress. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!