Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a classic, elegant dish that’s quick to prepare yet packed with bold flavors. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with pasta, and finished with a hint of lemon for a zesty kick. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party.
Savor the juicy, tender shrimp enveloped in a silky garlic butter sauce. The refreshing zest of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley bring everything together, creating a well-balanced and irresistible meal.
This recipe is simple, flavorful, and takes only about 20 minutes to make. With restaurant-quality results, it’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Tongs
- Zester or microplane
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Salt, for boiling water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Prepare the Shrimp Scampi:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Tongs
- Zester or microplane
- Colander
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Prepare the Shrimp Scampi:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Cooking
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the level of garlic or lemon to suit your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth is a great substitute.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick, satisfying meal that feels luxurious without being complicated. Its fresh, vibrant flavors make it a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.
Delight your taste buds with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe that brings restaurant-quality dining to your home. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect choice for any shrimp lover. Try it tonight and enjoy the magic of this classic dish!
