Description
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a delightful Italian-American main course featuring tender large shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. It’s a quick and elegant seafood dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions, delivering a balance of rich flavors and fresh parsley brightness.
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
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and concentrates its flavors.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the shrimp scampi warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of olive oil and extra butter.
- Scallops or chicken can be substituted for shrimp if preferred.
- For gluten-free options, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.
