Description
Make dinner unforgettable with Garlic Butter Basil Shrimp! This quick and easy shrimp recipe is packed with rich garlic butter, fresh basil, and bright lemon flavor for a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or summer dinners, and delicious served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp work well.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds mild color and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the shrimp.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates a rich, silky sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced – Adds bold savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For gentle heat.
- ¼ cup chicken broth or dry white wine – Adds depth and deglazes the pan.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dish.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil – Adds fresh herb flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Adds color and freshness.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon wedges
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra cracked black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp for 1½–2 minutes per side until pink, then remove from the skillet.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes (optional), then pour in the broth or white wine and simmer briefly.
- Stir in the lemon juice, chopped basil, and parsley.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with extra basil and lemon wedges, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh basil and garlic create the best flavor.
- Cook the shrimp just until pink to keep them juicy.
- Serve immediately for the richest buttery sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 340 calories
