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Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi
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This shrimp scampi recipe offers a quick, flavorful seafood dinner with tender shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal that is both family-friendly and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • Peeled and deveined medium-sized shrimp (about 1 pound)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • Salt, for pasta water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start with peeled and deveined shrimp and pat them dry to ensure a good sear. Lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and reserve some pasta water.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Make the Sauce: Remove shrimp and set aside. Pour white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the remaining butter to finish the sauce.
  5. Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss in the cooked pasta, and mix well. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

  • Dry shrimp thoroughly: Avoid soggy shrimp by patting them dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
  • Don’t overcook shrimp: Cook until just pink and firm to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice can taste dull; fresh juice brightens the whole dish.
  • Reserve pasta water: It helps emulsify the sauce and adjust consistency perfectly.
  • Quality ingredients matter: Use good-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and butter for the best flavor impact.
  • Cook pasta al dente: So it holds up well when tossed in the sauce without becoming mushy.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, quick seafood dinner, Italian seafood pasta, easy shrimp recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/shrimp-scampi/