Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick dinner that tastes bright, buttery, and restaurant-worthy in under 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, fresh lemon, garlic, and a silky butter sauce make this easy recipe perfect for dinner ideas, seafood pasta nights, quick weeknight meals, and simple food ideas that still feel special.

Ingredients

12 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth or seafood broth

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.

5. Pour the broth into the skillet and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining butter.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Return the shrimp to the pan, add parsley, and toss gently until everything is warmed through.

8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use large shrimp for the best juicy texture and remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.

Do not brown the garlic too much because it can turn bitter and overpower the lemon butter sauce.

Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps the sauce cling smoothly to the noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 455
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp scampi, shrimp scampi, easy dinner, quick dinner, seafood pasta, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas