15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features succulent shrimp sautéed quickly in fragrant garlic, lemon juice, and butter. The sauce is rich yet fresh, enhanced by parsley and a hint of white wine or broth. Ready in just 15 minutes, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Simple seasoning allows the natural seafood flavors to shine, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:19:00 GMT
Golden garlic shrimp scampi, sizzling in a pan and ready to serve with pasta. Save to Pinterest
Golden garlic shrimp scampi, sizzling in a pan and ready to serve with pasta. | rapidskillet.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 15-minute garlic shrimp scampi has become a favorite for my family on busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

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.
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| rapidskillet.com

This recipe always brings my family together for a warm 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.

Tender shrimp in a creamy garlic shrimp scampi sauce, bursting with lemon and herbs. Save to Pinterest
Tender shrimp in a creamy garlic shrimp scampi sauce, bursting with lemon and herbs. | rapidskillet.com

This garlic shrimp scampi is both quick and flavorful, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What type of shrimp works best?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal for even cooking and tender texture.

Can I skip the white wine in the sauce?

Yes, substituting with chicken broth or vegetable broth maintains moisture and flavor.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side, to keep them tender.

What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Serve over cooked pasta, steamed rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I add extra spice to the sauce?

Yes, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce adds a nice kick.

15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Tender shrimp cooked in a zesty garlic lemon-butter sauce, perfect for busy nights or elegant meals.

Time to Prep
5 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Total Duration
15 minutes
Shared by Ethan Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details Carb-Conscious

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 Make It

Step 01

Prepare shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels; season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Heat fats and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes if using; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.

Step 03

Cook shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 04

Deglaze and simmer: Add white wine or broth and lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 05

Finish sauce: Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss to coat shrimp evenly.

Step 06

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review all items for allergens. When unsure, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy. May contain gluten if served with bread or pasta.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

For informational use only. Always follow your doctor's advice.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 4 grams
  • Proteins: 24 grams