Description

A foolproof, 15-minute weeknight dinner featuring seared shrimp in a rich, tangy garlic butter and white wine sauce. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pan meal tastes restaurant-quality but costs pennies.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen or fresh)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
6–8 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1 large lemon (juice and zest)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Spaghetti or Linguine (approx. 1 lb)
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Thaw frozen shrimp under cold water if necessary, then drain and pat very dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside, leaving fond in the pan.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan and let it melt and foam. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant and golden (do not burn).
Pour in white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release brown bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat in the sauce for about 30 seconds to warm through.
Serve immediately over hot cooked spaghetti or with crusty bread, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure proper searing; wet shrimp will steam. Do not overcook shrimp or they will become rubbery. If serving with pasta, reserve some starchy pasta water to loosen the sauce. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute wine with chicken broth and extra lemon juice. Avoid microwaving leftovers as it makes shrimp tough.

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate with pasta
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 600
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 25

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter sauce, 5pm dinner, quick weeknight meals, one pan dinner, seafood pasta, easy shrimp recipe, restaurant style shrimp