Restaurant-Style Shrimp Scampi with 4-Ingredient Butter!

Want that fancy restaurant meal without the fancy restaurant price tag? I hear ya! There’s something so satisfying about recreating those dishes at home, and let me tell you, this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter? It’s BETTER than what you’ll get in most restaurants. Seriously!

I remember the first time I made this. I was trying to impress a date (no pressure, right?). I’d always been intimidated by seafood, but Shrimp Scampi seemed doable. I tweaked a recipe I found online, added a little extra garlic (because, why not?), and crossed my fingers. Wow! It was a total hit! He said it was the best scampi he’d ever had. Now, I’m not saying it sealed the deal (spoiler alert: it didn’t!), but it definitely made for a memorable evening. And honestly, I’ve been making this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter ever since. It’s my go-to when I want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Trust me, you don’t need to be a professional chef to nail this. I’ve been cooking this for years and have nailed the recipe so you dont have to! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Seriously, who has hours to spend in the kitchen on a weeknight? Not me! This Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter is ready in under 30 minutes. I mean, that’s faster than ordering takeout! It’s perfect for those crazy busy evenings when you need a delicious meal, stat!

Restaurant-Quality Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter at Home

Forget those bland, overpriced restaurant dishes. This Shrimp Scampi? It’s bursting with flavor! The garlicky butter sauce is so rich and delicious; you’ll be licking your plate clean. Honestly, it’s way better than anything you’ll order out. I promise!

Perfect for a Date Night Dinner

Want to impress your special someone? This Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter is the perfect choice! It’s elegant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Light some candles, pour some wine, and get ready for a romantic night in. You’ve got this!

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. Nothing too fancy here, promise! You’ll need 1 pound of shrimp – make sure it’s peeled and deveined (nobody wants to deal with that!). Grab about 1/2 pound of linguine pasta. I love linguine, but honestly, any long pasta will work. Then, the good stuff: 1/2 cup of butter (yes, real butter!), 4 cloves of garlic, minced (don’t skimp!), 1/4 cup of dry white wine (I usually use Pinot Grigio), 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley (fresh is key!), a pinch – about 1/4 teaspoon – of red pepper flakes (for a little kick!), salt and pepper to taste, and some lemon wedges for serving. That’s it!

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta going! Cook your linguine according to the package directions. You’ll want it al dente – that means it should still have a little bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta, right? Once it’s cooked, drain it well and set it aside. A little tip? Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water. You might need it later!

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Okay, this is where the magic happens! Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Careful not to burn the garlic! Cook for about a minute, until it’s fragrant. Now, add the shrimp. Cook them until they’re pink and opaque. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. Don’t overcook them; nobody wants rubbery shrimp!

Combining Pasta and Sauce for the Best Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Now, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This helps the alcohol evaporate and adds a ton of flavor. Stir in your fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed. Okay, now add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it all together until the pasta is nicely coated in that glorious garlic butter sauce. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Squeeze that lemon juice all over…mmm! Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Okay, listen up! This is important. You *gotta* use good shrimp. Seriously. Fresh, high-quality shrimp makes ALL the difference. If you can get it from a local fish market, even better! Frozen shrimp works in a pinch, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Soggy shrimp? No, thank you!

Adjusting the Spice Level

Not a fan of spice? No problem! Tone down the red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether. Love a little heat? Go for it! Add a bit more. My favorite part is that you can make this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter exactly how *you* like it. Just be careful; a little goes a long way! Trust me; I’ve been there (oops!).

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two. Don’t panic! This Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter is pretty flexible. Let’s talk substitutions!

Wine Substitutions

Don’t have any dry white wine on hand? No problem! Chicken broth works great in a pinch. Or, for a little extra zing, try a splash of lemon juice mixed with a bit of water. You’ll still get that lovely acidity that balances out the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

Pasta Alternatives

Out of linguine? No sweat! Spaghetti, fettuccine, even angel hair pasta will work just fine. Honestly, use whatever long pasta you have in your pantry. The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show, so the type of pasta isn’t *too* crucial. Just make sure you cook it al dente!

Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter…what do you serve with it? My go-to is a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness of the scampi perfectly. And don’t forget some crusty garlic bread for soaking up that delicious sauce! Mmm!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter?

Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw them completely before cooking. I usually put them in a colander under cool running water. Pat them dry, too, or your Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter might get a little watery. Nobody wants that!

How do I store leftover Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter?

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or sauté it in a pan until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp! It’ll get rubbery.

Can I make Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter ahead of time?

You *can*, but I don’t really recommend it. The shrimp tends to get a little tough if it sits too long in the sauce. But, if you’re short on time, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time – chop the garlic, measure out the wine, etc. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together in a flash!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info, right? Well, it’s tough to say exactly, but roughly, you’re looking at around 450 calories per serving. Of course, that’s just an estimate!

Enjoyed This Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter? Rate it Below!

Loved this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter as much as I do? Give it a rating below and leave a comment! I’d love to hear what you think!

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