I never thought shrimp scampi could get any better—until I added cream. Creamy garlic butter shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that turns a regular Tuesday night into something you’d swear came off a fancy menu. We’re talking about juicy shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with just the right kick from red pepper flakes, tossed with pasta and kissed with a splash of lemon. It’s fast, comforting, and wildly flavorful. You know those evenings when your brain says ‘takeout’ but your taste buds want something a little cozier? This is that in-between dish that saves the night. It’s got the buttery indulgence you want from a restaurant but the homemade charm that says ‘yeah, I made this and it rocks.’ Best part? It takes less than 30 minutes. So even on your busiest nights, you’ve got time to whip up a meal that feels special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a whole dinner party of people who ‘don’t usually like shrimp’—this one wins them all over. Yes, even Uncle Greg, the shrimp skeptic. Let’s get cooking.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
4) How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
5) Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
6) Making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This creamy shrimp scampi is easy, flavorful, and fast—done in about 25 minutes.
The garlic butter sauce blends with cream for a rich, restaurant-style pasta experience at home.
Great for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Main keyword pasta easy recipes appears naturally four times for SEO strength.

2) Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

We all crave pasta easy recipes that don’t require a culinary degree, right? This shrimp scampi hits all the right notes—simple, quick, creamy, and yes, buttery in the best way. Whether you’ve had a long day or need a no-fail dinner in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers every single time.

What makes it magic? It’s the golden mix of garlic, butter, and cream—plus those tender shrimp that take only a couple of minutes to cook. Pasta easy recipes like this are lifesavers, especially when your brain’s fried and takeout just feels wrong. Add a squeeze of lemon and a dusting of Parmesan, and you’ve got something comforting and classy without any stress.

Honestly, this is one of those quick and easy recipes that I keep on rotation. You can scale it up for guests or halve it for a solo night in. Either way, this one’s got your back.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

1 lb large shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and ready to soak up that creamy garlic butter sauce. Try to use fresh if you can, but frozen works just fine.

8 oz linguine or spaghetti: Choose a pasta that grabs sauce well. Long noodles like linguine are classic, but fettuccine or tagliatelle would work too.

2 tablespoons olive oil: A light base for cooking the shrimp so it doesn’t dry out or stick to the pan.

4 tablespoons butter: Melted down to form the buttery soul of the dish. Trust me, don’t skimp on this.

4 cloves garlic: Finely minced. The more the better, but four gives a strong, savory punch without being too much.

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting. Add more if you like fire.

1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan and adds depth. If you’re skipping alcohol, go with the broth.

1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes it rich, smooth, and addictive. It’s what turns regular scampi into comfort food magic.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish that brings all the flavors together.

Salt and pepper: For seasoning the sauce just right—taste and adjust as needed.

2 tablespoons chopped parsley: A sprinkle of green freshness to finish off each plate.

Juice of 1/2 lemon: Brightens the sauce and balances out all the cream and butter.

4) How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Step 1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes on each side until pink. Set aside.

Step 3. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4. Add the red pepper flakes and wine (or broth). Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan.

Step 5. Pour in the cream and Parmesan. Stir and let the sauce thicken for 3 minutes, keeping it smooth and creamy.

Step 6. Return shrimp to the pan. Add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 7. Finish with lemon juice, parsley, and a sprinkle of extra cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread if you’re feeling extra.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Use fresh shrimp if possible—they cook quickly and taste sweeter than frozen ones. That said, I’ve defrosted frozen shrimp in a pinch and nobody knew the difference.

Don’t walk away from the stove once you drop that garlic into the pan. It burns in a flash. Stir constantly until it smells just right—like the start of something good.

This is one of those quick and easy recipes where timing matters. Have all your ingredients prepped before you turn on the heat. That way, everything flows, and the shrimp stays tender, not rubbery.

6) Making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Ahead of Time

Want to prep ahead? Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in a jar or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, warm the sauce gently, toss in the pasta and shrimp, and finish with parsley and lemon.

This method helps keep the shrimp juicy and the pasta from turning mushy. Pasta easy recipes like this are super friendly for next-day lunches too—just keep the parts separate.

If you’re using this for meal prep, skip adding the lemon until the final reheat. It keeps the flavor bright and avoids bitterness later.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Avoid microwaving if you can. It tends to dry out the shrimp and split the cream. A skillet with low heat works better and helps maintain the creamy texture.

Still got leftovers on day three? Throw them in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and give it a quick broil. Call it a pasta bake and nobody will question it.

8) Try these Dinners next!

9) Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe