Lemony Shrimp Scampi🍖 Main

Name: Lemony Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp butter; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/4 lb shrimp, shelled with tails on or off; salt to taste; cracked pepper to taste; 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

This zesty seafood dish comes together in under 10 minutes, featuring succulent prawns tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce accented with citrus and a splash of vino!

By Jason Miller, Weeknight Cook & Household Coordinator

Prep: 5 minCook: 5 minServes: 4

quick seafood italian low-carb dinner garlic shrimp

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Few dishes deliver restaurant-quality elegance with such minimal effort as shrimp scampi. The magic lies in the sauce—a silky emulsion of butter, garlic, and white wine that clings to each tender shrimp while bright lemon juice cuts through the richness. This is your weeknight savior when you want something impressive without the fuss, yet special enough to anchor a romantic dinner or impress last-minute guests.

The key to perfect scampi is watching your timing closely. Shrimp cook incredibly fast, transforming from translucent to opaque in mere minutes, so have everything prepped and ready before you start. Once those shrimp hit the pan, you're committed to standing at the stove. Don't walk away to set the table or check your phone—overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose their sweet, delicate flavor. Pull them off the heat while they're still slightly tender in the center; the residual heat will finish the job.

While the recipe suggests pasta or rice, consider spooning this garlicky goodness over creamy polenta or even warm crusty bread that soaks up every drop of that precious sauce. For a lighter approach, serve it alongside spiralized zucchini or a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil. You can also play with the citrus—try adding thin lemon slices directly to the pan for extra visual appeal, or swap in a splash of fresh orange juice for a sweeter, more complex flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 lb shrimp, shelled with tails on or off
salt to taste
cracked pepper to taste
1/4 cup dry white wine or broth
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Nutrition (Per 4 servings)*

303

Calories

29g

Protein

Carbs

19g

Fat

Fiber

276mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds - 1 minute). Then add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side (until just beginning to turn pink), then flip.
Pour in wine (or broth), add red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half and the shrimp is cooked through (don't over cook your shrimp).
Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately.
Serve over rice, pasta, garlic bread or steamed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini noodles).