Save to Pinterest Shrimp Scampi Bowls with Garlic Bread bring together buttery garlic shrimp and crisp golden garlic bread for a dinner that checks all the weeknight boxes yet feels completely special. You get the best flavors of Italian restaurants at home and everyone gets a full plate of comfort to dig into.
The first time I made this shrimp scampi bowl it was a Friday evening after a long day. My family practically inhaled it and now they ask for shrimp night every single month without fail.
Ingredients
- Shrimp peeled and deveined: Freshness is key for the best texture so I look for bright firm shrimp at the market
- Butter: brings richness Always use real butter if possible for flavor
- Fresh garlic: The star of the whole dish so use plump fragrant cloves
- Dry white wine or broth: Adds a punchy depth Pinot Grigio or a flavorful chicken broth both work really well
- Lemon juice: Gives the shrimp a clean bright finish Bottled works in a pinch but fresh is best
- Red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat Use as much or as little as you like
- Salt and pepper: To heighten and balance the flavors Always season to taste
- Pasta or cooked rice: Use what your crew loves If buying pasta I check for bronze cut for better sauce hold
- Baguette or loaf for garlic bread: Choose a crusty loaf for the best texture and slice thick
- Butter and garlic for bread: I like unsalted butter with plenty of fresh garlic
Instructions
- Cook the Base:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta cooking until just al dente. Drain and keep warm. If you are using rice prepare according to package directions and fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Garlic Shrimp:
- Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted toss in the minced garlic and cook gently until it smells sweet and is just turning golden about one minute. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for two minutes until the undersides turn pink. Flip the shrimp. Add the wine or broth and the lemon juice. Scatter in red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for another minute until the shrimp are opaque and sauce slightly thickens. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings.
- Make the Garlic Bread:
- While the shrimp cooks mix softened butter and minced or pressed garlic together. Generously spread this on sliced baguette or loaf. Arrange on a baking sheet. Broil or toast in the oven until golden brown and the edges are crisp.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Spoon hot pasta or rice into wide bowls. Arrange the buttery garlic shrimp and sauce on top. Serve with plenty of garlic bread for dipping and scooping up every bit of sauce.
Save to Pinterest Garlic is hands down my favorite in this dish. Its aroma fills the whole kitchen and I always find someone sneaking a piece of bread to swipe through the skillet just before dinner. There is rarely a crumb left.
Storage Tips
This dish tastes best right after cooking but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat and if needed add a splash more broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving the shrimp too long to keep them from getting tough. Garlic bread can be recrisped in the oven at 350 F for a few minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap brown rice for pasta for a gluten free base. If you want a lighter sauce try half olive oil half butter. No wine on hand Stick with broth or try a splash of lemon juice instead. You can even toss in baby spinach or zucchini with the shrimp right at the end if you want some extra greens.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette is my favorite side. If you are feeling fancy a drizzle of good olive oil over the bowls before serving is delicious. Add grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for even more flavor. This recipe is great with roasted asparagus or simple steamed broccoli too.
Cultural and Historical Context
Shrimp scampi comes from the classic Italian American tradition originally inspired by Italian dishes that featured tiny langoustines. In the US shrimp is the common substitute. The luscious garlic butter and wine sauce is what defines scampi and serving it with bread is a nod to how Italian families savor every drop of sauce.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add fresh cherry tomatoes and basil in summer. Toss baby spinach or peas into the skillet during spring. Use butternut squash or mushrooms in fall for a cozy change.
Success Stories
More than once this recipe has been the star of our family movie night. My kids build mini sandwiches with shrimp and garlic bread and honestly I have done the same. Everyone ends the meal happy and full. Sometimes friends drop by and I double the shrimp and bread to stretch the servings.
Freezer Meal Conversion
While freshly cooked shrimp is best you can prep the base and bread topping ahead. Cook the pasta or rice and freeze in portions. Mix the garlic butter and freeze it too. When ready to eat thaw everything and cook up the shrimp in just a few quick minutes for a dinner that is almost instant.
Save to Pinterest This shrimp scampi is satisfying and weeknight-friendly yet special enough for guests. Give it a try and savor every last bite with plenty of good bread.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can frozen shrimp be used for this dish?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.
- → What pasta varieties pair best?
Linguine or spaghetti are ideal, but any pasta you have on hand or cooked rice can be used as a base.
- → Is there a way to make it lighter?
Use olive oil instead of butter and serve with whole grain bread for a lighter version of the meal.
- → How can I add more flavor?
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, parsley, or a squeeze of extra lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
- → Can this meal be prepared ahead?
The shrimp mixture can be cooked in advance and reheated gently. Toast the bread just before serving for best texture.