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Irresistible Zesty Shrimp Scampi Dinner Bowl

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A quick and flavorful shrimp scampi dinner bowl featuring juicy shrimp in a buttery, zesty lemon sauce with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (European-style recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth (optional)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 8 ounces linguine, spaghetti, or preferred pasta
  • Salt for pasta water (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Baby spinach or arugula (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and devein the shrimp if not done already. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley and basil, zest and juice the lemon. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water).
  2. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, toss shrimp with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When butter foams and oil shimmers, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes on one side until pink and caramelized, flip and cook 1-2 minutes until opaque and tender. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to skillet and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine or chicken broth and simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey or maple syrup. Whisk in remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted and silky. Add chopped parsley and basil, reserving some for garnish. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Return shrimp to skillet and toss gently in sauce. Add drained pasta and toss to combine well. Add more pasta water if needed for a luscious coating.
  8. Serve immediately with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and baby greens if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper searing. Use fresh garlic and lemon zest for best flavor. Cook shrimp just until opaque and slightly curled to avoid rubberiness. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. White wine is optional and can be substituted with chicken broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, quick dinner, weeknight meal, garlic shrimp, lemon shrimp, easy pasta, seafood dinner, zesty shrimp

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/irresistible-zesty-shrimp-scampi-dinner-bowl-easy-recipe-for-quick-weeknight-meals/