Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Basil Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp quickly sautéed in a fragrant garlic basil butter sauce, perfect over rice or pasta for a simple seafood meal. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. When butter is melted and bubbling, add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving until pink on one side.
  3. Step 3: Flip shrimp and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until butter melts and sauce coats shrimp.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over cooked rice or pasta, spooning extra garlic basil butter sauce over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Basil Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Basil Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Basil Butter Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Basil Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Basil Butter Sauce?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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