Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring shrimp in a rich, buttery, garlic sauce with a touch of lemon and white wine. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set aside.
- Cook the shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine:
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest (optional).
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
