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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

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A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine or spaghetti and brightened with fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook without moving for 1-2 minutes until the underside turns pink and slightly golden. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Pour in white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and smooth.
  6. Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
  7. Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Cook garlic on medium to low heat to prevent burning. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. Add lemon juice at the end to preserve brightness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten sensitivities.

Nutrition

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

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