Shrimp Scampi
A quick and elegant seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp in a zesty garlic butter sauce, often served over pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined Frozen shrimp can be used if thawed
- 8 ounces Spaghetti or linguine Use your preferred pasta
- 4 tablespoons Butter Essential for the sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing the shrimp
Seasonings
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced Crucial for flavor
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice For brightness
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional for heat
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds creaminess
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved For color and sweetness
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Then stir in the lemon juice.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in the remaining butter and fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is combined and glossy.
- Plate your shrimp scampi and garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.