Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is so quick and easy! A garlic buttery scampi sauce with a hint of white wine & lemon in less than 10 minutes!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi can be enjoyed as an appetizer/light meal OR for dinner with your favourite pasta of choice! You can also keep it low carb and serve over zucchini noodles or with steamed cauliflower! Either way it’s delicious and even better than an Italian restaurant Scampi!
Shrimp Recipe
After publishing TWO Scampi recipes on this blog over the years, one being Browned Butter Shrimp Scampi and the other this reader favourite Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi, I wanted to give you guys an even easier recipe ready in less than 10 minutes.
Actually, I started making our family favourite Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe when we realised it was fast turning into a Scampi since we add white wine into our recipe for added flavour. So then, I had to share it.
Tips make the best shrimp scampi
- Have all of your ingredients ready on your kitchen bench and close to your cooking area if possible. This recipe cooks FAST. You don’t want to be head deep into your refrigerator searching for your wine, for example, while the shrimp is cooking away on the stove. Over-cooked shrimp is rubbery, tough and not pleasant to eat at all.
- The shrimp is cooked in a butter/oil combination prevent the butter from burning. You can use all butter if you wish, just note it will begin to brown while the shrimp are cooking. (Nothing wrong with a little browned butter.) Though, I do prefer the flavour of a butter/oil mixture in this.
- I love extra large or jumbo shrimp (or prawns) in this recipe! They’re fat and juicy and perfect for a shrimp scampi! If you can find wild-caught shrimp, please cook with those. Better flavour, better colour and a lot healthier for you than farm-raised seafood.
- Use a good quality white wine. I use a Sav Blanc when cooking this recipe. You can also use a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Shrimp Scampi without wine
Wine can be omitted completely OR substitute with chicken broth if you wish. Chicken broth has a much better flavour than fish broth, however, if you have homemade fish broth laying around, you can definitely use that!
How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic)
- 1 1/4 pounds (600 grams) large shrimp prawns, shelled with tails on or off
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds - 1 minute). Then add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side (until just beginning to turn pink), then flip.
- Pour in wine (or broth), add red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half and the shrimp is cooked through (don't over cook your shrimp).
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately.
- Serve over rice, pasta, garlic bread or steamed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini noodles).
Nutrition
Mrs.C. says
I made this last night, and my husband and I agree that it is by far the best scampi sauce we’ve had. We followed your recipe exactly, and the result was exceptional.
Natalie says
Thank you for sharing! I’m sure most of you can relate with having picky eaters. My LO refused to eat any type of pasta until I made this shrimp recipe with linguine and he LOVED it! Along with the rest of the family.
Susan K Dyck says
I have used this recipe numerous times…..I do however add sour cream to make a creamy sauce for pasta. My family loves it!!
brooklyn grill says
Looks yummy and healthy. I will try to make this for my family. Thank you so much. i love it.
Mary Beth says
Absolutely delicious..I made this for dinner tonight & my son said “this is the best scampi sauce” he has ever had. He has worked in 2 different italian restaurants and this is his go to dinner at work. 😊
Ron says
Without question, the Shrimp Scampi that our family has ever had…..Thank you for the recipe!
Gary says
This recipe is fantastic! We used chicken broth and fresh cilantro instead of wine and parsley just because we were out of those items, but this was still amazing. Thank you Cafe Delites!
Chuck McLaughlin says
The BEST way to serve this is over spaghetti squash! Low carb, more nutritious and flavorful than pasta!
Lisa M Fijux says
Awesome recipe. I do add a bit (okay a lot) more garlic, but that’s just me.
Misty says
I have been using this recipe for about a year now. My family and I LOVE the way it turns out! I do change one small thing though. I add italian seasoning to taste over parsley. It goes great with the garlic and wine. The best part is my mother in law always has a box of dry white wine in the fridge and a bag of shrimp in the freezer so scampi is never too far out of the way for dinner. I also like to make the scampi, boil some linguini, fettuccini or tortellini, add some four cheese alfredo, and mix it all together in a pot. It’s absolutely delicious! Thank you for such an amazing recipe.
angelina says
this recipe was so delicious!! my family all wanted seconds, and was finished that night except enough for me for lunch. my principle tried it and loved it so much that she wanted this recipe!!! yummm
Brian says
This was awesome. I cut out a 1/4 of the butter and didn’t miss it a bit. I would make double the sauce to drizzle over noodles.
Debbie says
OMG! Made this for supper tonight. Taste just like Red Lobster! LOVED it!
Tim Sheets says
Apparently I nailed it! The family loved it and so did I. Thanks so much for the recipe. I did season the shrimp with a Hawaiian garlic shrimp coating instead but it would have been beautiful either way. Again thank you.
Jamie says
Hello! I just love your recipes! For the shrimp scampi, what temp should the skillet be set to please? I’m sorry if I missed that in your instructions! Thank you!
Lisa @BestNonToxicCookware says
The Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is great! I made it according to your recipe and the taste is great! Everyone in the family likes it, it makes me happy. thank you
Danielle says
Wow!!. I had an impromptu dinner out with friends but still had to make something for the family. Perfect, super quick and easy meal! Made it exactly to the recipe and everyone loved it! Added some garlic bread and went on about the evening. Thank you so much. Love that it only took a few things and 10 minutes.
Marshall Suess says
So quick and easy. We made this w/scallops salad, and riced cauliflower. Added an ounce of tequila to help deglaze pan. thank you
Maya Lall says
Can i use white cooking wine instead?
Jess says
I would use broth instead. Don’t use a wine you wouldn’t drink.
Steve says
No. Just uses a good dry white wine. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A dry Chardonnay or Sauvignon blanc would be delicious. You could even uses a splash of Dry Vermouth (never Sweet Vermouth). Cooking wine is too salty.. If it’s all you have, then omit the added salt. But a good rule is – if you can’t drink the wine, don’t cook with it.
Don George says
I would never use a cooking wine in anything. Always use a wine you would drink.
maryalice caddigan says
I used to use cooking wine. I learned from a wise chef, if you wouldn’t put it in a glass to drink it, never use it to cook with. I started to use good wine to cook with and my recipes have come out so much better. !!! I hope this helps Maya La ~~~🥰
Catherine Brooks says
I made this and served it with steak, cheesy garlic biscuits, asparagus/or salad. Everyone loves it. I have made it several times and it is requested at least twice a month.
Liz says
Followed recipe but blanched some asparagus and put in ice bath then chopped into 1/2 pieces and added to final product. Sprinkled a bit of parm and was great!!
Jacob says
This recipe is DELICIOUS. I added a pinch of parmesan, butter and a splash of milk to the pasta, allowed the cheese to melt a bit, and then put in EVERYTHING from the shrimp skillet. To DIE for.
Jeri says
I have been looking for a hawaii garlic shrimp recipe for years since I move to va and now I have finally found one ? when me and my kids are missing home this bring us back to the delicious food we have back home. Thanks so much!!!
Brianna Pendergraft says
HIGHLY recommend this recipe!!!!!! It was so simple and crazy good. I used the chicken stock version and thought it had an amazing flavor profile. My family couldn’t believe how good this was. My siblings battled over who would get seconds. They already want this meal again. Definitely going to be a staple in our house from now on.
Monica says
Look yummy! One of my favorite Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, nice to see your recipe, easy to follow, will cook this for family this weekend. Thanks you!
Becky says
This was amazing. I used white wine and mixed it with some clam juice along with the other ingredients and it was sooo good. Definitely recommend.
Thomas says
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is great! This is my family’s favorite food. It’s great now that I can make it myself at home for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for your detailed instructions
Kendra Miller says
Ditto! This recipe was so simple and quick! My family loved it and I’ll be making it again soon!
Audrey says
This sounds so good!! Am making it for my girlfriends for Valentines day,
Barb says
This was by far the greatest recipe ever for Shrimp Scampi!!! It was so tasty!!! My husband was in heaven!! Thank you!!
Susan Tchokreff says
I LOVE this recipe and have made it many times. I add a little extra lemon juice but that’s the only alteration. I like to use pinot grigio for the sauce. I buy a small bottle and it’s just enough for the sauce and a glass of wine for my husband and I. We love this recipe so much that there are never leftovers!!
Kathryn says
Thanks so much for mentioning buying the wine in the small bottles! I don’t like to open a regular bottle of wine for just myself. My daughter won’t eat shrimp so I’ll be eating this by myself. Thanks again for the great tip!
Deborah kilcourse says
If I want more liquid which ingredients would I double?
Colin says
The liquid
J says
?
Karla says
I doubled everything but the shrimp in order to have enough sauce for my pasta.
Julia says
So perfect and delicious!!
lauren says
I hAve frozen shrimp, will that work for this recipe?
Patrick M Sutton says
DEfrost the shrimp!
Gloria says
I’ve made scampi for years, I love it but had a recipe that called for a lot of butter so it can be poured over the pasta. But it was too much. I like the more chicken broth and wine idea, will try that this time. Last thing I add is Italian Bread Crumbs sprinkled on top of the shrimp, this too makes a nice addition. But my son has to have more sauce. Thanks for the recipe, I’ll be making it for Christmas Eve. No more seven fishes, too much work. Will do scallops too. Can’t wait.
Franchesca Pizarro says
Made this tonight with my best friend and it turned out amazing!! The instructions were super easy to follow. My mom also tried the shrimp and loved it! Thank you for this awesome recipe!!!
kk says
I love shrimp scampi, and I’m going to give this a try tonight. I don’t have wine on hand, but have both chicken broth and white wine vinegar. Suggestions?
[email protected] says
I have a skin problem so I can’t eat shrimp, but I cooked it for the whole family, and everyone complimented it. The shrimp are very sweet and fragrant
Melissa says
The shrimp looks fresh and delicious. I don’t really like olive oil. Can i change it?
Rimmy says
This was so good. We made the shrimp and some butter bowtie pasta. Sprinkled it with parmesan chesse. Wow it was prefect.
Williams says
I love to cook. I’m always looking for new recipes for my menu, which makes me always interested in my work. Today’s my lucky day, garlic butter shrimp scampi is great, just follow the instructions and everything is easy, I like that. Thanks for your sharing
Ja Layne says
I love everyone of your recipes Your blog is the best. so easy to read and the pictures are great. you do a great job. going to try this one tonight
Susan says
This recipe is fabulous! I used a buttery chardonnay. I served the scampi with zucchini noodles and it was a huge summertime hit! This will be added to my stash of go to recipes. It’s so easy to make and oh so tasty!
Amy Qualmann says
Absolutely loved this recipe. Made it exactly as stated and we loved it. Roasted some brussel sprouts for a side. Delicious!
Joy says
Can I make this same recipe with scallops AND shrimp? If so, what adjustments should I do?
Maria B Rugolo says
Easy and delicious. Served this over angel hair pasta. A nice easy dish when time is limited but you still want to serve a healthy and delicious meal. Thank you for another winning recipe!
Sheen says
Solid shrimp scampi recipe. I used 1/2 cup of chicken stock instead to add extra broth over linguini. It was yummy!
Audra says
I’m no kitchen chef… I was worried that I may have over cooked the shrimp but it went GREAT!!! Will definitely cook this again!!! Family loves it!
Al says
Tried the garlic shrimp. Modified it to fit a serving and a half. Used Pino Gregio.
It was great!!!
Chloe says
This recipe looks amazing, lovely balance of flavours. Going to try this one out over the Easter break
GAIL BROWNLEE says
I made this tonight and it turned out so well! I used chicken broth as I didn’t have wine and it was delicious although I can’t wait to try it as written. The lemon juice and red pepper flakes really give it that extra touch. They cook up so quickly that this is literally fast food that isn’t junk food! Definitely a keeper. Thank you!
Nataly says
Karina, that recipe looks so yummy! I’ll have to try that one. Thanks for sharing
crystal Heltzinger says
This was so good and very simple to make. Did this with cauliflower rice. Will definitely make this again.
Jewls says
Did your family realize it was cauliflower rice? I’ve been wanting to try but scared the kids will turn their nose up at it lol
Katie Kaye says
Wow, what a great recipe! I made this tonight and boy, it was delicious and fast! Thanks for such a fantastic and tasty recipe!
Anna says
Karina, this looks amazing! Thank you, I will try this right away)
Alina says
Karina, thanks! I just love shrimp. I actually have never tried making it on my own. I really should!
Mariya says
Karina, this sounds amazing and looks fantastic. Love all the colors!
Dan in RI says
What a great easy recipe, I made it using chicken broth & omitted the lemon juice as I didn’t have any. What i loved about it using the chicken broth (1 bouillon cube to 3/4 cup of water), it kept light and refreshing. For ease I mixed all ingredients in saucepan sauteed for about 5 minutes on low before adding shrimp. After I added shrimp sauteed for about 5 minutes on medium. I tossed it with my pasta which was done about the same time. We loved it and it’ll be my new go to recipe, I could see myself doing this with little neck clams also.
Susan Tchokreff says
Definitely do it with wine. I use pinot grigio. The alcohol cooks off but the flavor remains.
Alyssa says
Karina, thanks! Very tasty shrimp turned out. Very cool photos!
Emma Evans, BOD says
Wow! Love this recipe so much.
This is amazingly wonderful.
Anil Sood says
I made this today for Valentine’s Day dinner. It turned out to be fantastic and my wife loved it. I thank you very much for this recipe,
Cristina M Foti says
I’m going to surprise my boyfriend with this tonight! For those that have made it, do you suggest broth or wine ?
Amy says
This was so good made it for my sweetheart and I twice in one week! I definitely recommend using wine over broth. The alcohol cooks out but leaves behind a richer flavor. I also added a tomato, seeded and chopped, the zest of one lemon in addition to the juice, and 1 tsp. Italian seasoning. Served over spaghetti and topped with grated parmesan. Super yummy!!!
Cindy Swan says
Lovely recipe – I added thyme and oregano and cilantro instead.
Cindy says
Best recipe ever for shrimp scampi!
Ashley says
This was SO GOOD. I didn’t have wine, so I used chicken broth (bouillon cube + water) instead, and I didn’t have a lemon so that was omitted (will not be the case next time because lemon is my favorite). It was still so delicious and flavorful. And I can never get enough garlic, so I always add more than any recipe says. Haha. Red pepper flakes add just a perfect little bite to elevate the garlic flavor. Also made roasted cauliflower and put some of this sauce on it as well. Perfection.
Elio Schiappa says
Sounds delicious !!
Susie says
I love your recipe and it turned out perfect! My husband loved to sauce so much he wants me to double it when I make it again tonight!
Karina says
Hi Susan,
Sounds great! Glad to hear that!
michael says
I made this and served it over grits (shrimp scampi and grits) and my bf and I had the big “O” over this dish. Next time I’ll double the sauce to I can cook the grits in it.
Lenora says
This turned out great and was easy. I left the red pepper flakes out for my kids and then added it afterward for myself and hubby. My kids liked it and they’re really picky eaters.
Karina says
That’s so great to hear Lenora! Thank you so much for your feedback X
Jeanne Horn says
OMG, this is wonderful. My husband is out of town and yesterday I said to my daughter, “Since it will be just the two of us, what do you want for supper tomorrow night?” Without missing a beat she replied, “Something Daddy doesn’t like.” So we settled upon this. I followed the recipe exactly, except I left out the red pepper flakes because Adrienne doesn’t do spicy. Served it over angel hair pasta with focaccia on the side. We’ll definitely be having this again.
Karina says
I’m so happy to hear that Jeanne! I love those girlie nights. So special! Thank you for sharing!
Lucy says
I had the same conversation with my daughter tonight! It was there perfect meal!
Joanna Ruffo says
Mamma Mia this was good. Made it tonight and was blown away by how quick and YUMEE! Thanks!
Karina says
Great to hear! Thanks for much for the comment. I am happy that you liked it! Thanks for following along with me! xo
Phil says
You mention wine or broth in the recipe, but what kind of broth??
Karina says
Hello Phil,
Thanks for the question. Chicken broth seems to work best but if you have homemade fish broth around you could always use that. Thanks for following along.
Debbie says
Any tips on how to increase amounts for about 20 servings? Would like to make for Christmas Eve. Looks delicious.
Thank you.
Karina says
Hello Debbie!
This will be great treat for Christmas Eve. This recipe is made for about 4 people. I would times it by five or even six for a little extra for the twenty guests. I hope this is helpful. Please let me know how it goes! Thanks for following along with me! xo
Allison says
This was so easy to make & so delicious to eat!! Hubby and I (a long with our 1 year old son) loved it!!
Marmyo says
Excellent!! My family love it!!
Karina says
That is great to hear! Thank you so much! I am so happy that it was loved by all! XO
John M. Padmore says
I make this dish and mix it in with risotto to make shrimp scampi risotto. Really takes it to the next level. Thanks!
Karina says
That is great to hear! Thank you for sharing! XO
Deborah Morgan says
quick, easy and delicious! I make this over rice cooked in broth. When I’m tired and want to veg out, I reward myself with this shrimp dish, I use broth lemon juice and a little un-oaked Chardonnay and both butter and olive oil. While the rice cooks, I saute up the scampi, voila, dinner, salad if ya want!
Susan Gera-Attard says
Hi! I stumbled upon your recipe for shrimp scampi and love it! Had this dish at Rovino restaurant in Little Italy section of San Diego last night and wanted to attempt replicating their fantastic version. Best suggestion you offered was to have all ingredients set to go, because YES it cooks up fast. Added some lemon zest, extra garlic and capers. So delicious! Your video was helpful too. Great job and thanks!
Meghan says
Where can I find the recipe?
Karina says
Hi! I’m so sorry about this. It seems to be a technical issue on mobile only and we are working on it right now. The recipes are on desktop if you need them urgently! Hopefully we will have all recipes up again soon! Thank you for your patience! Karina X
Ivory says
OMG, this looks amazing. I love shrimps, and I can hardly wait to make this yummy looking dish. Thank you!
Karina says
That is awesome! You will love this shrimp then! I can’t wait to hear all about it! Thanks for following along with me!
Marynell says
I don’t eat shrimp but love the smell of shrimp scampi. Do you think I could use your recipe but substitute chicken tenders?
Should I change anything??
Karina says
Yeah, that sounds great! It will need to cook a little longer just getting the chicken at the right temperature but that sounds great in that sauce! Enjoy your chicken! Thanks so much for following along with me!
Kate says
This! Holy wow this shrimp scampi is not only so easy to throw together, but it looks and tastes incredible! Finally found one I like!
THANK YOU!
Karina says
You’re very welcome Kate!
Carol says
This is the best recipe for shrimp I have ever done. Its great and everyone I have served it to loves it.
Karina says
I’m so happy to hear that Carol!
Luz Munera says
made today very easy and delicious
Charlotte Bowen says
As amazing as it looks! So glad this was in my inbox yesterday! Thank you!
Tammy says
Loved your garlic butter shrimp scampi! It’s beautiful and tastes really good. A nice change to our usual. Looking forward to making it again & again.
Karina says
That is great to hear! I am so glad you all liked it!
Frank Favorito says
Hey there,
I’ve been making this dish for about 30 years and it is great but I kinda break the rules a little. I add about a 1/4 fresh grated parm and cook it on my BBQ pit. That little kiss of smoke just sets it off.
I love your posts and look forward to them always.