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Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta

garlic butter shrimp scampi - featured image

A quick and easy 20-minute recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce, served over linguine or spaghetti pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 3 tablespoons or 45ml)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil and 2 tablespoons (30g) butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Sear shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  5. Pour 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) butter and the juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons). The sauce should be glossy and slightly thickened.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and about 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently to combine and coat the pasta with sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  8. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and freshness. Give it one last gentle toss.
  9. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper searing. Use fresh garlic and sauté gently to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, pasta recipe, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, seafood pasta