There's something magical about the scent of garlic butter sizzling in a pan, especially when it means dinner is only minutes away. This Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi is buttery, garlicky, and full of bright lemon flavor, making it the perfect quick meal for any night of the week.

I first made this dish after a long day when the thought of washing multiple pots and pans was just too much. One bite and it immediately became my go-to when I needed something impressive but effortless.

Even better, this recipe is not only delicious but also comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or even casual entertaining. Let's dive into why you'll fall in love with it.

Why You'll Love This Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero! This Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi checks all the boxes: quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

First off, you can't beat how fast it comes together. From start to finish, you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your plate in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pan magic. No pile of dishes looming after dinner means more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

The flavors are absolutely divine. Think juicy shrimp swimming in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a bright hit of lemon—it tastes luxurious but uses simple, everyday ingredients.

It's incredibly versatile too. Serve it over pasta, rice, zoodles, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that golden sauce.

This Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi truly proves that fast, simple cooking doesn't have to skimp on taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients that create bold flavors with minimal effort.

Shrimp are the star of the show. I recommend using large or extra-large shrimp (31/40 count), peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp are wonderful, but high-quality frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Garlic adds an irresistible aroma and depth. Freshly minced garlic is a must here. It sautés quickly in the butter and infuses the dish with rich flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

Butter and olive oil form the luxurious base of the sauce. The butter brings richness, while the olive oil prevents it from burning and adds a fruity undertone. Using both creates the perfect silky texture.

Lemon is the secret weapon. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter, while a little zest amps up the citrusy punch even further.

A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional but highly recommended if you like a subtle, warming heat that rounds out all the other flavors beautifully.

As for equipment, all you need is a large skillet (preferably stainless steel or nonstick) and a good zester if you're adding that extra lemon zing.

How To Make This Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi

Creating this Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi couldn't be simpler. With a few tips and a watchful eye, you'll have a golden, garlicky dinner ready in no time.

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so make sure they’re nice and dry. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they start to turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

In the same skillet, add the garlic. Stir it constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic turns bitter quickly.

Next, pour in the lemon juice and a splash of white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer). Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for maximum flavor.

Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the remaining butter and toss to coat everything in that luscious sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

In total, this dish takes about 15-20 minutes, start to finish. Expect tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a buttery, garlicky sauce that's utterly irresistible.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing this Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi is simple. Transfer the cooled shrimp and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Because shrimp can become rubbery when overcooked, it's best to reheat gently. Warm it in a skillet over low heat just until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.

While you can freeze shrimp scampi, I don't recommend it. The texture of the shrimp tends to suffer after freezing and thawing, so it's best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

If you want to prep ahead, you can clean and season the shrimp and mince the garlic up to a day in advance—then dinner really will come together in a flash!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream right at the end to create a luscious, velvety sauce that's perfect over pasta.

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love heat, add an extra pinch or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy scampi.

Swap the shrimp for scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut for a different but equally delicious seafood experience.

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a good vegan butter or simply increase the olive oil. It will still be rich and flavorful!

Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs. Fresh basil, thyme, or even tarragon can add a fun, aromatic twist depending on what you have in your kitchen garden.

No matter how you customize it, this Easy One-pan Shrimp Scampi is a recipe that welcomes creativity and guarantees satisfaction every time.