Description
A quick, restaurant-quality shrimp scampi that takes only 20 minutes to make. This recipe features juicy shrimp in a rich, emulsified garlic butter and lemon sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds jumbo or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked linguine or spaghetti (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Thaw frozen shrimp if necessary and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Zest the lemon, then juice it to measure 3-4 tablespoons. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it get hot but not smoking.
- Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted and foaming, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
- Pour in white wine and simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss gently to coat. The residual heat will warm the shrimp through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately over cooked linguine or with crusty bread.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure proper searing. Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove from heat before adding lemon juice to prevent the sauce from separating. If serving over pasta, reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 24
Keywords: shrimp scampi, quick dinner, italian recipe, garlic butter shrimp, 20 minute meal, restaurant style shrimp, weeknight dinner