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Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi

A classic shrimp dish cooked in a garlic butter lemon sauce and tossed with pasta. Quick, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water plus more as needed
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
  2. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  4. Season shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
  5. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pearly or white, opaque, and firm.
  7. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
  8. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
  9. Add garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  10. Add white wine or broth. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
  11. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water.
  12. Add drained pasta and toss until lightly coated.
  13. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently until warmed through.
  14. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  15. Stir in parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Pat shrimp dry before cooking so the sauce does not become watery.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; remove it once opaque and firm.
  • Use dry white wine, not sweet wine.
  • Chicken broth or seafood broth can replace wine.
  • Add pasta water gradually until the sauce coats the noodles.
  • Serve immediately for the best shrimp texture.
Nutrition Per Serving – Approximate
Calories: 560
Protein: 42g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 51g