Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons Kerrygold butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; 8 oz linguine or spaghetti; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Cooking

Golden, buttery shrimp that sizzle in a pan, filling the kitchen with the irresistible scent of garlic and herbs. This simple dish comes together in about 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights or when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Honestly, the whole thing runs about $15 to make, so it feels like a special treat without breaking the bank. It's a recipe that has been a staple in our household lately, especially after we picked up some fresh shrimp at the local market. There’s just something about it that makes dinner feel a little more bright and special.

Created by

The Meals By Sophia Team

Last updated on 2026-06-03T22:54:19.087Z

The Secret to This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The rich, buttery sauce, paired with tender shrimp and those fragrant notes of garlic, means you don't need a lot of fancy ingredients. Just make sure your shrimp are fresh, or at least thawed properly if you're using frozen. If they smell fishy at all, toss 'em and start fresh.

Timing is everything here. When you add the garlic to the butter, you want to keep it moving in the pan. If you let it sit, it could easily burn, which would give the whole dish a bitter taste. I usually set a timer for that minute, just to make sure I'm not distracted by other things in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons Kerrygold butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure everything is fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Let’s get cooking!

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the linguine or spaghetti, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. You’ll want to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining, just in case you need it later.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt the Kerrygold butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned - keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. Then, add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through, until they’re pink and opaque.

Combine Everything

Once the shrimp are ready, squeeze in the juice of the lemon, and toss in the fresh parsley. After the pasta is drained, add it right to the skillet with the shrimp. Drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water, mixing everything well so the noodles are coated in that buttery garlic goodness. Honestly, I usually eyeball how much water I add; just add enough to help everything stick together without being soupy.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Trust me, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but honestly, I always save a bit for lunch the next day. It reheats surprisingly well!

Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi!

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

I love serving this shrimp scampi with a side of garlic bread. It really helps to soak up that delicious buttery sauce, and it's a nice touch for those who want a little extra. You could also toss in a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance things out, so it's not all carbs and shrimp, you know?

If you want to get a little more adventurous, try serving the shrimp over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles. It's a great way to add more veggies to the meal, and the bright green color looks lovely next to the shrimp.

Make-Ahead Tips

Honestly, this dish is best served fresh, but if you want to prep a few things in advance, you can totally do that. You could peel and devein your shrimp earlier in the day or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

Another tip is to get the pasta ready ahead of time. Cook it, drain it, and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When you're ready to make the sauce, just reheat the pasta briefly in boiling water, then combine with the shrimp. It's a handy way to save a few minutes when you're hungry.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely first. I usually leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quicker defrosting.

→ What kind of pasta should I use?

I like linguine, but honestly, any pasta you have on hand will work. Spaghetti or fettuccine is great too!

→ Is there a way to make this low-carb?

You can definitely swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. It won’t have the same texture, but it’s a tasty alternative.