Hey there! Today, I want to share two incredible shrimp recipes that you can make in no time. If you love the amazing taste of garlic and butter with fresh shrimp, you’re in for a treat. These are some of my favorite quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights.
I’ve put together these simple guides so you can make delicious meals without any fuss. Both dishes feature shrimp cooked to perfection with plenty of aromatic garlic and creamy butter. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp for a Quick Dinner
This quick shrimp dish brings bright lemon and rich garlic butter together in one pan. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you need something tasty fast.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Lemon Shrimp
- Fresh Shrimp: Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and fastest cook time.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Both add a bright citrus taste. Zest the lemon first before you juice it for easier handling.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks very fast, usually just 2-3 minutes per side until it turns pink and opaque.
What You Need for Garlic Lemon Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by patting your shrimp very dry with paper towels. Mince your garlic and prepare your lemon by zesting it, then juicing it. This quick prep helps ensure everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
📝 Final Note
Serve this garlic butter lemon shrimp right away with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It tastes best fresh off the pan!
Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Enjoy this classic garlic butter shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly for any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Shrimp Scampi
- Good Quality Butter: Butter is key for the rich sauce, so use a brand you enjoy.
- White Wine or Broth: A splash of dry white wine adds a nice layer of taste to the sauce. Chicken broth works well as a substitute if you prefer.
- Pasta Choice: Linguine or spaghetti are traditional with scampi, but feel free to use any long pasta you like.
What You Need for Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Shrimp
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This helps them cook better and get a nice sear.
Step 2: Build the Scampi Sauce
Melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook gently for about 1 minute until you can smell the garlic. Do not let the garlic brown.
Step 3: Cook Shrimp and Finish Sauce
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they are pink and cooked through. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Let it simmer for a minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Drain your cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp scampi sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Serve your delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi immediately.
📝 Final Note
If you don’t have fresh lemon on hand, a small splash of white wine vinegar can help brighten the sauce’s taste.
