15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed with minced garlic in a rich lemon-butter sauce. The cooking process is swift, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings. A splash of white wine adds subtle depth, while fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten the flavors. Enjoy atop pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a simple yet elegant meal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:26:00 GMT
Sizzling 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi with perfectly cooked shrimp in a buttery, lemon sauce. Pin It
Sizzling 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi with perfectly cooked shrimp in a buttery, lemon sauce. | pecanpan.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.

I first served this to friends on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how fresh and zesty it was

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

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.
Golden, garlicky 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, ready to serve over pasta or alongside crusty bread. Pin It
Golden, garlicky 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, ready to serve over pasta or alongside crusty bread. | pecanpan.com

This dish always brings my family together for a quick and delicious meal

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

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

Vibrant plate of 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi featuring tender shrimp drizzled with lemon-butter perfection. Pin It
Vibrant plate of 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi featuring tender shrimp drizzled with lemon-butter perfection. | pecanpan.com

This shrimp scampi is a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like a special occasion dish

Questions & Answers

What type of shrimp is best for this dish?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp work best as they cook evenly and absorb flavors well.

Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?

Yes, dry white wine can be replaced with chicken broth or vegetable stock for similar depth.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Sauté shrimp for just 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.

What sides pair well with this shrimp preparation?

Cooked pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread complement the dish nicely and soak up the sauce.

Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can increase the heat according to taste.

Is fresh parsley necessary?

Fresh parsley adds a bright herbal note but can be swapped for basil or chives if preferred.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Tender shrimp cooked with garlic, lemon, and butter for a quick, vibrant main dish.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
15 minutes
Created by Anthony Hughes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Reduced 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

How-To

Step 01

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

Step 02

Heat Fat: Warm olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if using; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.

Step 04

Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 05

Deglaze Pan: Pour in white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits; simmer 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 06

Finish Sauce: Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley; toss to coat shrimp evenly.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning: Remove from heat and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Tools You Need

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient, check for allergens, and talk to a professional if needed.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy; potential gluten exposure if served with bread or pasta.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and isn’t medical guidance.
  • Kcal: 240
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 24 g