With a buttery garlic sauce, succulent shrimp, and fresh lemon, this super easy “Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi” is a great weeknight meal. Ready in about 20 minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi : Ready in 20 Minutes
When you’re looking for a restaurant-style seafood dinner that’s quick, easy, and ready in just one pan, this one-pan lemon garlic shrimp scampi is perfect for you. These succulent shrimp, tossed in rich butter, aromatic garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of herbs, are ready in less than 20 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals for the week, or planning a romantic dinner, this shrimp scampi is always a great choice. It’s easy to serve and enjoy with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or warm crusty bread that soaks up every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe:
- Easy to clean up and make in one pan
- Ready in just under 20 minutes
- Easy to customize
- Family-friendly
- High-protein
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Restaurant-quality food at home
- With rich garlic butter
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American seafood dish, featuring shrimp cooked in butter, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Many versions use white wine, while other family-friendly versions use chicken broth. The result is a silky, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, vegetables, or toasted bread.
Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients for the Shrimp:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Sauce:
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan – optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
Serving ingredients:
- Rice
- Cooked linguine or spaghetti
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
All the kitchen essentials:
- Measuring spoon
- Large pan
- Citrus juicer
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
SEE MORE RECIPE: –
Zesty Fire-Grilled Citrus Shrimp Skewers
Delicious Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Delight
Easy One Pan Lemon Garlic How to Make Shrimp Scampi All Step by Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Add the following ingredients:
- Salt
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Dry the shrimp and continue frying until golden brown.
2. Heating the Pan
- Use a large pan.
- Place it on medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil and
- one tablespoon of butter.
- Let the butter melt completely.
3. Cooking the Shrimp
- Lay the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook on the first side for 1.5 to 2 minutes.
- Flip it over
- and cook for 1 minute.
- Be careful not to overcook.
- Now transfer the shrimp to a plate.
4. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Turn the heat to medium.
- Add the remaining butter.
- Add the following ingredients and stir:
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Cook for about 30 to 32 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the Pan
- Add chicken broth or white wine.
- Scrap up any delicious browned bits.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add Lemon
- Add lemon juice and lemon zest and mix.
- Simmer for another minute.
7. Add Shrimp
- Return the shrimp to the pan.
- Gently toss for 1 minute.
- Be careful not to overcook.
8. Prepare the Dish
- Sprinkle the ingredients over the top of Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, optional.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Best Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Scampi:
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Larger shrimp stay juicier.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference.
- Cook the shrimp until just pink.
- Add fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Side Dishes:
- This easy one-pan lemon garlic shrimp scampi goes great with:
- Angel Hair Pasta
- Buttered Linguine
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Dinner Rolls
- Caesar Salad
- Garlic Bread
- Broccoli
- Roasted Asparagus
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
Some Delicious Variation Instructions:
For Spicy Shrimp Scampi:
If you want to up the spice, add red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.
For Creamy Shrimp Scampi:
Add these ingredients:
1/2 cup heavy cream and Parmesan cheese
For a healthier version:
Add extra olive oil instead of butter.
Serve over zucchini noodles.
For Vegetable Shrimp Scampi:
Add these ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes
Spinach
Broccoli
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Storage Tips:
- Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi can be stored well and enjoyed for several days.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently heat over medium-low heat. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a little chicken broth.
- Avoid microwaving for long periods of time, as the shrimp may become rubbery. Refrigerate: If possible, freeze the sauce separately.
- For the best texture, it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh when serving.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
- Protein: 29g
- Calories: 340
- Sodium: 620mg
- Carbohydrate: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 21g
- Sugar: 1g
- Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Tips to Avoid:
- Avoid these mistakes when making Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi.
- Avoid burning the garlic
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp
- Avoid using bottled lemon juice
- Avoid skipping the pan deglazing step
- Avoid overcrowding the pan
- Avoid using frozen shrimp without thawing them thoroughly.
FAQ
Answers to questions about Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi.
Q. Can I make Garlic Shrimp Scampi dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use extra olive oil or any other dairy-free butter substitute instead of butter.
Q. Can I make Shrimp Scampi without wine?
Yes! Chicken broth or seafood stock are great options.
Q. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! For the best results, thaw them thoroughly and drain them before cooking.
Q. What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp (21 to 30 counts per pound) are ideal, as they remain soft and juicy.
Q. How to tell if shrimp is cooked?
They turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose C shape. An O shape usually indicates overcooking.
Q. What pasta goes best with shrimp scampi?
Spaghetti, linguine, angel hair, and fettuccine are great options.
Q. Is shrimp scampi gluten-free?
The shrimp and sauce are naturally gluten-free; if desired, you can serve it with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Q. What vegetables can I add?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes; they all go great with this garlic lemon sauce.
Q. Can I make the recipe ahead?
You can peel and season the shrimp and finely chop the garlic in advance, but for the best flavor and texture, cook the dish just before serving.
Q. How long can I keep leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container; leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a quick, tasty, and truly fabulous meal that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and bright lemon perfectly elevates the dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Served with rice, pasta, or crusty bread, this filling meal can be ready in just 20 minutes, so be sure to give this quick seafood dinner a try.