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shrimp scampi-1

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine, served over pasta. This quick and elegant meal delivers tons of flavor in just a short time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams large shrimp, peeled and deveined For best flavor, use fresh shrimp.
  • 320 grams linguine or spaghetti
  • 60 grams unsalted butter
  • 30 milliliters olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 120 milliliters dry white wine For a substitution, use chicken broth instead.
  • 30 milliliters lemon juice About 1 medium lemon.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 20 grams fresh parsley, chopped About 1/4 cup.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Plus more for pasta water.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 40 grams grated Parmesan cheese Optional, about 10g per person.
  • to taste lemon wedges For serving.

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Tongs

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
  5. Pour white wine and lemon juice into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the pan, stirring to combine.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  8. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems dry.
  9. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan (if using) over the top. Toss one last time.
  10. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh shrimp.
Do not overcook the shrimp; they become rubbery if overdone.
If you prefer, substitute chicken broth for wine.
Add extra vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or spinach, for variation.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.