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Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

A classic Shrimp Scampi recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Seasonings

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp if frozen, rinse under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, warm olive oil and half of the butter (2 tablespoons) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Cook Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with additional salt and pepper, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Add Broth and Finish Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then add the remaining butter, stirring until melted and combined.
  5. Toss with Pasta and Parsley: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

  • Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier cooking and eating.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for milder flavor.
  • Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or white wine for extra depth.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to help emulsify the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their best texture.