Shrimp Scampi Bowls Garlic Bread

Shrimp Scampi Bowls with Garlic Bread make for the kind of weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together in no time at all. Sweet succulent shrimp simmer in a garlicky lemon-butter sauce and are served alongside buttery garlic bread that just begs to be dunked. I always whip this up when I want something impressive with very little fuss and cleanup.

I made this for a dinner party recently and everyone raved about the sauce. My family jokes they could eat this with a spoon and they are not wrong

Ingredients

• Shrimp: choose large peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture. Look for ones with a little sheen and mild sea scent
• Butter: unsalted lets you control the seasoning and builds a silky sauce
• Garlic: fresh cloves are a must for big flavor so go for firm unblemished bulbs
• Olive Oil: keeps the butter from burning and adds richness. Use extra virgin for best taste
• Lemon Juice: fresh squeezed gives a bright acidic pop. Look for juicy lemons with thin skin
• White Wine: optional adds complexity. Pick a crisp dry wine that you enjoy drinking or swap for chicken broth
• Parsley: flat leaf kind gives color and a fresh herbal lift. Choose bright green bunches
• Red Pepper Flakes: wakes up the sauce with a gentle heat. They should look vibrant and red
• Salt and Pepper: balance every element. Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for depth
• French or Italian Bread: go for a crusty loaf that feels heavy for size which means a good chew
• Garlic Butter for the bread: mash soft butter with plenty of minced garlic and a shower of chopped parsley for color

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Bread:

Preheat the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius. Slice bread into thick pieces and smother each with garlic butter made by mixing softened butter minced garlic and parsley. Arrange slices on a baking sheet and bake for eight to ten minutes until they turn deep golden and edges are crisp. Remove and set aside

Cook the Shrimp:

Set a large skillet on medium heat. Add olive oil and two tablespoons butter letting the butter foam but not brown. Add the minced garlic and cook stirring constantly for one to two minutes until softened and fragrant not browned as that brings bitterness

Add the Shrimp:

Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper and place them in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for two to three minutes on each side until they curl into a C shape and turn opaque and pink. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and cover loosely

Make the Scampi Sauce:

To the same skillet pour in an extra tablespoon of butter along with the wine or chicken broth. Scrape any golden bits from the pan’s bottom and let everything simmer for one to two minutes letting the alcohol cook off and flavors concentrate. Stir in the lemon juice a pinch of red pepper flakes and another tablespoon of butter until everything melds together smoothly

Combine Shrimp with Sauce:

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Let them heat through for another minute so they fully soak up the flavors then sprinkle copious parsley over everything for a hit of color and freshness

Assemble and Serve:

Divide the garlicky shrimp and buttery sauce between bowls. Place a slice of hot garlic bread alongside and enjoy each bite making sure to swipe that bread through every drop of sauce

Save

My secret weapon here is the quality of the shrimp. Once I found a good fishmonger who brings in fresh shrimp every Friday this dish turned from good to unforgettable. My son always tries to sneak extra bread to mop up the sauce because it is that addictive

Storage Tips

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Garlic bread is best eaten fresh but you can reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crunch. For longer storage freeze the scampi without bread in a freezer safe bag for up to one month

Ingredient Substitutions

If shrimp are not available you can use scallops pieces of chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian spin. Swap parsley for fresh basil or chives if you like a different herbal note. If avoiding dairy use vegan butter and olive oil for the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve this as a main dish for a cozy dinner for two or scale it up for a crowd. It also doubles as a beautiful starter for a summer meal. I love pairing it with a crisp green salad and a glass of the same wine used in the sauce

Cultural Context

Shrimp scampi as we know it in the United States is an Italian American take on the Venetian classic scampi alla busara. Originally made with langoustines now American cooks use shrimp. The addition of garlic butter and lemon brings an American twist that has made this dish a favorite for decades

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring top with tender baby peas or asparagus ribbons In winter stir in a pinch of smoked paprika for earthiness For a summer variation use fresh tomatoes diced and added with the sauce

Success Stories

My first time making this I burned the garlic slightly but learned to lower the heat and never walked away from the pan again. Now it is the meal my friends beg for at get togethers because it is just that crowd pleasing

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make this ahead freeze only the cooked shrimp and a portion of the finished sauce in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight and rewarm gently in a skillet over low heat. Bake off fresh garlic bread while it heats for a next to instant dinner

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Serve while still warm and enjoy restaurant inspired flavor in your own kitchen. Do not forget to dunk every last piece of bread into that luscious sauce

Recipe Questions

→ How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose 'C' shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp work well, just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking for best texture and flavor.

→ Is white wine essential for the sauce?

White wine adds depth, but chicken broth is an excellent substitute for those preferring an alcohol-free option.

→ How do you keep garlic bread crispy?

Toast bread slices until golden and serve immediately. Applying garlic butter before baking enhances crispiness.

→ What sides pair well with shrimp scampi bowls?

Simple green salads or steamed vegetables balance the meal, while the garlic bread soaks up extra sauce.