15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Featured in: Seasonal & Holiday Cooking

This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed quickly in a fragrant garlic and lemon butter sauce. The combination of fresh garlic, lemon zest, and parsley creates a bright and savory flavor profile perfect for fast weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Cooked in just 15 minutes, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. The simple preparation highlights the shrimp's natural sweetness while the buttery sauce adds richness, balanced by a touch of acidity from lemon juice.

Updated on Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:40:23 GMT
Golden garlic glistening on a plate of 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, ready to savor. Pin
Golden garlic glistening on a plate of 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, ready to savor. | circuitcrust.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 shrimp scampi has become my go-to for simple weeknight dinners and never fails to impress guests at casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Dry white wine (or chicken broth): 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, 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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Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.
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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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Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.
Check price on Amazon
Tender shrimp swimming in a lemon-butter sauce—this quick 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi looks delicious. Pin
Tender shrimp swimming in a lemon-butter sauce—this quick 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi looks delicious. | circuitcrust.com

My family always gathers around the table eagerly when this shrimp scampi is served, enjoying every bite and the lively conversation that follows.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio and a light green salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Variations

Try substituting fresh basil or chives for parsley or adding a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor to suit your taste preferences.

Freshly tossed 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi over pasta, the perfect elegant weeknight meal. Pin
Freshly tossed 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi over pasta, the perfect elegant weeknight meal. | circuitcrust.com
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This shrimp scampi is perfect for quick weeknight meals and elegant enough to impress guests with minimal effort.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Tender shrimp cooked in a garlicky lemon butter sauce, ready in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Duration
15 min
Author Audrey King


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Guide Reduced Carbs

What You’ll 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 (approx. 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 Make It

Step 01

Season Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and 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 red pepper flakes if using; sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in white wine or broth and lemon juice; scrape pan to lift browned bits and simmer 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Remove from heat, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired; serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review each item for allergens. Consult a healthcare expert when unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy; gluten may be present if served with bread or pasta.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutrition info from Circuit Crust is for guidance only—it's no substitute for medical expertise.
  • Caloric Value: 240
  • Fat Content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 24 g