Description
This classic Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine. Served over linguine or spaghetti, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender seafood and pasta in a zesty, buttery sauce garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly, cooking for 2–3 minutes to intensify the flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat well in the sauce. If the sauce seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of olive oil and extra butter in the sauce.
- You can substitute scallops or chicken in place of shrimp for variation.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivity.
