I love cooking a delicious, impressive meal. But I absolutely loathe the mountain of dishes that often comes after it. If you’re like me, you’ve probably stared down a sink full of pots, pans, and utensils and wondered if it was all worth it.
Well, my friend, I have fantastic news for you. This recipe for One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Scampi – Minimal Cleanup is our ticket to flavor town without the post-dinner drudgery. We’re talking about a restaurant-quality dish that leaves you with just one pan to wash. If you’re looking for more quick dinner solutions, you’ll love our Easy Rotel Taco Soup Recipe for Quick Family Dinners.
Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all ready in about 15 minutes. Your weeknights are about to get a whole lot tastier and a whole lot easier.
Recipe Overview
Let’s get straight to the good stuff. Here’s everything you need to know about this lifesaver of a recipe at a quick glance.
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I’m a firm believer that the best recipes are the ones that respect your time. This one-pot wonder is the ultimate expression of that philosophy.
Everything—from sautéing the garlic to cooking the shrimp and creating the sauce—happens in a single skillet. This means maximum flavor and, my personal favorite part, minimal cleanup. It’s a simple equation for happiness.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is a breeze for this one. You don’t need a kitchen full of fancy gadgets, I promise.
The star of the show is a large, trusty skillet. I use a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel pan. Beyond that, it’s all about fresh, simple ingredients that pack a punch.
The Full Ingredient List
Here’s your simple shopping list. Using high-quality ingredients here makes a world of difference, especially with something as simple as shrimp scampi.
One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Scampi – Minimal Cleanup Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Scampi – Minimal Cleanup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous dinner with almost no mess. It’s so straightforward, you might just memorize it after one try.
- Prep your shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps them get a beautiful sear.
- Melt the butter. Place your large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until it’s just starting to foam. Your kitchen will already smell amazing.
- Sizzle the garlic. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the butter. Cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Create the sauce. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Let it bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Finish and serve. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately over pasta or with bread to soak up every drop of that garlic butter sauce.
PREPARATION
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count. These little tips will ensure your scampi is perfect every single time. For more fun, easy-to-make treats that the whole family will enjoy, check out our Frozen Yogurt Bites: Cool Creamy Treats Kids Love!
First, use the right size pan. A pan that’s too small will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. A 12-inch skillet is your best bet.
Don’t stir the shrimp too much. Let them sit for a minute to develop a nice sear on one side before you flip them. This builds incredible flavor directly in the pan.
Finally, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Since it comes together so fast, you won’t have time to mince garlic while the butter is browning.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
Got leftovers? No problem. This dish is just as good the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
Let the scampi cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition Notes
While we’re here for the flavor and easy cleanup, it’s nice to know what’s going into our bodies. This is a light and protein-packed meal.
- High in Protein
- Good source of Selenium and Vitamin B12
- Contains healthy fats from butter
If you’re looking for more irresistible sweet treats to round out your meal, you have to try our Starbucks Copycat Birthday Cake Pops: Irresistible Treats!
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a lot of questions about this recipe. Here are the answers to the ones I see most often.
Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely! You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. You could even use a splash of extra lemon juice and a bit of water.
What’s the best pasta to serve with shrimp scampi?
I’m a big fan of long, thin pasta like linguine or angel hair because it holds the garlic sauce so well. But any pasta shape, or even zucchini noodles, will work beautifully.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight first, and pat them very dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
And there you have it. A decadent, restaurant-style dinner that you can whip up on any busy weeknight. You get to enjoy all that incredible garlicky, buttery flavor without dreading the cleanup afterward.
This one-pan garlic shrimp scampi is my go-to for a reason. It’s fast, it’s delicious, and it keeps my kitchen—and my mood—spotless. I really hope it becomes a favorite in your home, too.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
