Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

The beauty of this recipe is that the flavors meld and deepen beautifully overnight. Making a double batch means tomorrow’s lunch—a reinvented garlic butter shrimp skillet tossed with pasta or greens—is already done. I love that kind of kitchen foresight. It turns a simple weeknight dinner into a gift for your future, slightly busier self.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is one of those summertime meals that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish you can pull together while the sun is still high, using the season’s juiciest tomatoes and a handful of pantry staples. The shrimp cook in minutes, bathing in a rich, aromatic sauce of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients that come together for a spectacular result. Whether you’re looking for easy summer recipes to feed a crowd or a quiet, cozy meal for two, this skillet delivers. It’s comfort food, made easy, and it tastes exactly like home.

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Ingredients List

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet recipe is all about letting a few great ingredients shine. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor you can get from this short, simple list. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something impressive without a complicated grocery run.

• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or oregano (or a mix!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work perfectly here. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. For a different protein, try scallops or even chunks of firm white fish.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a high-quality olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
• Wine: The wine adds a lovely acidity. If you prefer not to cook with it, use an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth with an extra squeeze of lemon.
• Herbs: No fresh herbs? Use 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning in the sauce, and sprinkle with a little dried parsley for color.

Timing

One of the best parts of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is how quickly it comes together. From fridge to table in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for busy evenings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

That’s faster than waiting for delivery, and infinitely more satisfying. It’s the kind of easy summer recipe that gives you your evening back.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavor-packed skillet every single time. The key is organization—have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you turn on the heat.

1. Prep the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a non-negotiable step for getting a nice sear instead of steaming them. Season generously with salt and black pepper. If you’re using them, toss the shrimp with a pinch of red pepper flakes now for even heat distribution.

2. Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet (I prefer cast iron or stainless steel for a great sear) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and the olive oil. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Sear for just 1-2 minutes per side, until they’re pink and lightly golden. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet. Remove them to a plate and set aside.

3. Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for just 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until incredibly fragrant. You want it golden, not brown, to avoid bitterness. Immediately add the halved tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with your spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by about half. This concentrates the flavor beautifully.

5. Finish and Serve

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and most of the chopped herbs. Return the seared shrimp and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for just another minute, until the shrimp are heated through and coated in that glorious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch. Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 16g
• Key Benefits: Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein and selenium. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant. Using fresh herbs adds flavor without extra sodium or calories, and the healthy fats from olive oil and butter help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. A regular kitchen setup is all it takes.

• A Large Skillet: This is the star. A 10 or 12-inch cast iron, stainless steel, or heavy non-stick skillet will work best. You need enough surface area to sear the shrimp properly and simmer the sauce. If you love one-pan meals like our Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo, you already have the perfect pan.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For mincing garlic and halving tomatoes.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accuracy with the sauce ingredients.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: For easily flipping and removing the shrimp.
• A Microplane or Juicer: For fresh lemon juice—it makes all the difference over bottled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet checks every box for a perfect weeknight hero. Here’s why it’s about to become a regular in your rotation.

1. It’s Incredibly Fast. From start to finish in 25 minutes, it’s the definition of a quick and satisfying summer supper idea.
2. Minimal Cleanup. One pan means more time relaxing and less time scrubbing. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.
3. Endlessly Adaptable. Serve it over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with a crusty baguette to soak up every drop of sauce. It’s a master of disguise.
4. Impressive Yet Simple. The flavors are restaurant-quality, but the process is completely approachable. It’s the ideal dish for both casual family dinners and when you have guests.
5. Meal-Prep Friendly. As the intro hook promised, the flavors get even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• For a Dairy-Free Version: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a plant-based butter stick in place of all the butter. The sauce will be lighter but still rich from the olive oil and shrimp juices.
• For a Lower-Carb or Keto Option: This dish is naturally low in carbs. Serve it over cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or spiralized zucchini instead of pasta or regular rice.
• To Boost Veggies: Add a handful of fresh spinach or baby kale to the skillet right at the end, letting it wilt in the residual heat. Sliced bell peppers or asparagus can be sautéed with the tomatoes.
• For a Lower-Fat Version: Reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and use a bit more olive oil. You can also use a light butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is the centerpiece of a fantastic meal. Here are my favorite ways to round it out.

• Over Grains: Fluffy white rice, quinoa, or orzo are classic choices that soak up the garlic butter sauce perfectly. It’s similar to the comforting vibe of our Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken served over rice.
• With Pasta: Toss it with cooked linguine, angel hair, or fettuccine for a decadent shrimp scampi-style dish.
• For a Lighter Meal: Serve it alongside a big, crisp green salad or over a bed of zucchini noodles.
• The Perfect Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or slices of garlic bread are non-negotiable for sauce-dipping purposes.
• Simple Sides: Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple caprese salad make excellent accompaniments for summertime meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small tweaks can make the difference between a good skillet and a great one. Here’s what to watch for.

1. Not Drying the Shrimp: Wet shrimp will steam instead of sear, preventing that lovely golden color and concentrated flavor. Always pat them thoroughly dry.
2. Overcooking the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Add it to the butter and cook just until fragrant—it should take less than a minute. Keep the heat at medium.
3. Crowding the Pan: If you add all the shrimp at once, they’ll release too much moisture and boil. Cook in a single layer, even if it means doing two batches. It’s worth the extra minute for perfectly seared shrimp.
4. Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. They’re done when they form a loose “C” shape. An “O” shape means they’re overdone and can become rubbery. Remember, they’ll go back into the warm sauce at the end to finish cooking.
5. Skipping the Acid: The lemon juice (or white wine) is crucial. It cuts through the richness of the butter and brightens the entire dish. Don’t leave it out!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors truly improve with a little time.

• Refrigerating: Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of water, broth, or lemon juice to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Avoid high heat, which can toughen the shrimp.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish. The texture of the shrimp can become mushy and the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
• Repurposing Leftovers: Chop the shrimp and toss them with the tomatoes and sauce into a cold pasta salad for lunch. Or, warm it up and fold it into an omelet or scramble for a luxurious breakfast.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable, joyful path to a delicious dinner. It proves that with a handful of good ingredients and one trusty pan, you can create something that feels special any night of the week. It’s the epitome of simple ingredients, warm memories.

I hope this becomes your new go-to for easy summer recipes, impromptu gatherings, or those nights when you just need a bowl of something comforting and good. Food that feels like home doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you give this Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share your experience. And if you’re looking for more quick, flavor-packed ideas, check out our Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites for a fun appetizer or our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for another family-friendly dinner winner. Happy cooking.

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