Shrimp Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, shrimp scampi is the perfect choice. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and vibrant lemon zest, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality meal you can make right at home in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer or colander
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Zester or grater
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Prepare the Shrimp:While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan (Optional):Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits. Let the wine cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the garlic-butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together until well-combined.
- Add Lemon and Garnish:Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the pasta. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
- Serve and Enjoy:Divide the shrimp scampi between plates, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of shrimp, pasta, and sauce. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
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Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them will make them tough and rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. It’s worth the extra effort compared to pre-minced garlic for a truly fragrant, delicious sauce.
- Toss Pasta in the Sauce: After draining the pasta, be sure to toss it in the garlic-butter sauce while it's still hot to help it absorb all the wonderful flavors.
- Adjust the Heat Level: If you like things spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The zest adds a pop of bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the butter sauce. It makes all the difference!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Recipe
Serving Size
250 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
400
% Daily Value*
Fat
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
10
g
Cholesterol
220
mg
73
%
Sodium
850
mg
37
%
Potassium
350
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
35
g
12
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
30
g
60
%
Vitamin A
800
IU
16
%
Vitamin C
15
mg
18
%
Calcium
80
mg
8
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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