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Irresistible Zesty Shrimp Scampi Dinner Bowl

zesty shrimp scampi dinner bowl - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp scampi dinner bowl bursting with zesty lemon, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, served over pasta or cauliflower rice for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (medium to large size)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente (or cauliflower rice for low-carb option)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of peeled, deveined shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Divide into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Use wild-caught shrimp if possible for better texture and flavor. For dairy-free, replace butter with vegan margarine or extra olive oil. Fresh lemon zest is preferred over bottled lemon juice for best flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Adding reserved pasta water helps achieve a silky sauce consistency. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

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