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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Easy 15-Minute Dinner

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This Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi comes together in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, lemon, and shrimp. It’s the perfect low-effort, high-reward weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Do not rinse the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp very dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and a pinch of black pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Swirl until butter melts and starts to foam.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until edges turn pink and golden. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in white wine. Scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom. Let wine bubble and reduce by half, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Toss and cook for 30 seconds.
  9. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss with tongs to coat. If dry, add reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until glossy and well-coated.
  10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss once more. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon as needed.
  11. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat shrimp very dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Do not overcook garlic—it burns quickly. Cook pasta 1 minute less than al dente so it finishes in the sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For best results, serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, 15 minute meal, weeknight dinner, pasta, seafood

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