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Homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Toasted Breadcrumbs recipe photo

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Toasted Breadcrumbs

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Toasted Breadcrumbs is quick, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs toasted until golden
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil to toast the breadcrumbs and cook the shrimp
  • as needed cooked pasta of your choice linguine, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta
  • as desired grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional but highly recommended

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Small skillet
  • Garlic press or fine grater
  • Zester or microplane
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
  4. Stir in lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon, along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Toss to combine and let flavors meld for a minute or two.
  5. Add cooked pasta directly to the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together to coat pasta evenly in the buttery garlic sauce.
  6. Divide pasta and shrimp among plates. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Toast the breadcrumbs separately for the best crunch.
  • Use fresh garlic and lemon for bright, aromatic sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days and reheated gently.
  • Substitute shrimp with scallops or firm white fish for variation.