Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet is your new go-to for a lightning-fast, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish right from your stovetop, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something delicious without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb linguine or your favorite pasta, cooked according to package directions
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Crusty bread, for soaking up the sauce
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet
Get ready for a culinary triumph that’s as effortless as it is delicious! This Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet comes together in under 30 minutes, boasting succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, zesty garlic butter sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. It’s the ideal balance of simplicity and indulgence, proving that gourmet meals don’t need to be complicated.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are fully peeled and deveined. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear on the shrimp. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet (oven-safe if you plan to finish under the broiler, though not required for this recipe) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat up until shimmering, but not smoking.
Sear the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. You want it to be golden, not brown.
Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits (fond) that have accumulated; these bits are packed with flavor. Let the liquid simmer and reduce slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice. This adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the butter and garlic. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Allow the shrimp to heat through for about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Plate the Dish: Divide your cooked linguine (or chosen pasta) among serving plates or bowls. Spoon the Garlic Butter Shrimp and its luscious sauce generously over the pasta. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet is an absolute showstopper, transforming simple ingredients into pure culinary magic. The star of the show is undoubtedly the succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked and swimming in a decadent, garlicky, buttery sauce that’s impossibly addictive. Unlike more complex seafood dishes, this recipe is incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to create a gourmet meal at home without breaking the bank – a stark contrast to the hefty bill you’d incur at a restaurant for a similar dish. The vibrant splash of lemon juice and fragrant fresh parsley cuts through the richness, adding layers of flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.
Imagine the delight of your family or guests as they savor each bite of this heavenly creation. It’s a dish that screams comfort and indulgence, yet is remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more festive gathering. So, ditch the takeout menus and the complicated recipe books; the Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet is here to simplify your life and tantalize your taste buds. Why not gather your ingredients and whip up this phenomenal dish tonight?
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly upon cooling, which is normal.
To reheat, you have a couple of options for optimal taste and texture:
- Stovetop Method (Recommended): Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or a little extra butter if the sauce seems too thick. Stir gently until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is warmed. Avoid high heat, which can overcook the shrimp.
- Microwave Method: Place a portion of the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
This dish can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Divide cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the above methods.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet is your shortcut to an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to bring this simple yet elegant dish to your table – it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delightful culinary creation!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Ensure your shrimp are fully peeled and deveined. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear on the shrimp. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Place a large skillet (oven-safe if you plan to finish under the broiler, though not required for this recipe) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat up until shimmering, but not smoking.1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. You want it to be golden, not brown.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits (fond) that have accumulated; these bits are packed with flavor. Let the liquid simmer and reduce slightly, about 1-2 minutes.1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice. This adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the butter and garlic. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish.1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Allow the shrimp to heat through for about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Divide your cooked linguine (or chosen pasta) among serving plates or bowls. Spoon the Garlic Butter Shrimp and its luscious sauce generously over the pasta. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping.1 lb linguine or your favorite pasta, cooked according to package directions, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, Fresh lemon wedges, for serving, Crusty bread, for soaking up the sauce