Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe 🍤🧄✨

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ❤️

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly quick and easy to make! With a rich garlic butter sauce and the brightness of lemon juice, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in under 20 minutes. Whether you serve it over pasta or with crusty bread, it’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta 🛒

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
• 4 tbsp butter, divided 🧈
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth 🍷
• 2 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
• Salt, to taste 🧂
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water 💧
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated 🧀
• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente 🍝
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿

How to Make the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta 👩‍🍳

Cook the Shrimp

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it melts and starts to sizzle. Add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Sauté the shrimp until they’re cooked through, about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, flip them to the other side to finish cooking. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.🍤

Make the Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t wash it, those flavorful bits are important!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, white wine (or chicken broth), and the reserved pasta water. Whisk the mixture, scraping up any of the delicious bits left by the shrimp. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Add Parmesan and Spaghetti

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the parmesan cheese until fully melted. This will thicken the sauce slightly and add richness. Next, toss in the cooked spaghetti, making sure to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce. The sauce should cling to the pasta beautifully.

Return the Shrimp

Finally, add the shrimp back to the skillet, tossing gently to combine everything. Make sure the shrimp are coated in the sauce. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi 🔥

Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of pasta water—it helps to thicken the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta for a silky texture.

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque for the best texture.
Explore the nutritional benefits of shrimp on Healthline

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice give this dish a bright, vibrant flavor, while fresh parsley adds the perfect finishing touch.

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What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi 🍽️

While Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is delightful on its own, especially when served over pasta, it also pairs beautifully with side dishes like:

• Garlic Bread
• Caesar Salad
• Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Vegetables

Enjoy !

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can use any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine for this dish. For a lighter option, zucchini noodles work well too!

Can I substitute the wine?
If you don’t want to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute. It will still add depth to the sauce without the alcohol.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the scampi on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.If you enjoy storing your meals ahead, see our Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for more make-ahead meal tips.

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