Description
My classic shrimp scampi recipe delivers pure comfort with tender garlic-butter shrimp nestled over perfectly al dente pasta. Simple ingredients come together in minutes for a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb large shrimp
Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Seasoning and Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Pasta (Optional):
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil at 212°F (100°C). Cook linguine for 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain and set pasta aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat (325°F). Add minced garlic and sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
- Season shrimp with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add to hot skillet in a single layer.
- Cook shrimp for approximately 90 seconds per side until they turn bright pink and curl slightly. Remove shrimp from pan and place on a clean plate.
- Pour ½ cup white wine into the same skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned garlic bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce wine for 2-3 minutes until liquid decreases by one-third. Squeeze fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons) into the sauce.
- Whisk remaining 1 tablespoon butter into the sauce until completely incorporated. The liquid should look glossy and slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to skillet and gently toss to coat with sauce. Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped parsley over the top.
- Plate the shrimp over prepared linguine or serve immediately with crusty bread and extra lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this classic dish.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery if left too long in the pan.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or your favorite gluten-free alternative.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth, but chicken broth works great if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg