Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces by about half.
Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the butter and lemon juice, allowing the butter to melt and the sauce to become creamy.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If needed, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, zest some lemon into the sauce along with the lemon juice.
Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
You can also use shrimp stock or clam juice instead of chicken broth for a seafood-rich flavor.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet indulgent dish, with plump shrimp in a silky, flavorful garlic butter sauce. Paired with pasta, it's a quick weeknight dinner that's guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!