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shrimp scampi recipe easy

This easy shrimp scampi recipe features succulent shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, finished with fresh herbs and served over pasta or crusty bread. It's a quick and delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 colander
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine Optional, if serving with pasta.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, adjust based on spice level.
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth Chicken broth is a great alternative if white wine is not available.
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • If using pasta, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the sauce reduce slightly.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped parsley until melted and well combined.
  • If using pasta, toss the cooked pasta in with the shrimp and sauce until evenly coated. If not using pasta, serve the shrimp scampi directly from the skillet.
  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For added flavor, you can include grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
If you don't have white wine, chicken broth is a great alternative.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level.