Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Zesty Lemon Pasta is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce and bright lemon-infused pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine pasta
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Fresh lemons, juice and zest
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- First things first, make sure your shrimp are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat them very dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a nice sear.
- Mince your garlic. Remember, we're using a good amount, so get those cloves ready!
- Zest your lemon, then cut it in half and squeeze out the juice.
- Chop your fresh parsley. Have everything ready to go before you start cooking, as this dish comes together quite quickly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (linguine, spaghetti, etc.) and cook according to package directions until it's al dente – meaning it still has a slight bite.
- Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the minced garlic.
- Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant but not browned. If using, add the red pepper flakes now for a little warmth.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the patted-dry shrimp to the simmering sauce in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from the heat as soon as the shrimp are cooked through.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together vigorously, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated in the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Stir in the fresh lemon zest and most of the chopped parsley (save a little for garnish).
- If the sauce seems too thick or needs a bit more silkiness, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Divide the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and, if desired, a extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy immediately!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the shrimp, always reserve pasta water, and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Pat your shrimp dry before cooking and ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.