How to make Shrimp Scampi

Look, I’m not saying this garlicky, buttery, lemony shrimp scampi will change your life… but I’m also not not saying that. This dish is restaurant-level fancy with weeknight-level effort. Bonus: it comes together so fast, your pasta might still be boiling when it’s done. Let’s get shrimpin’.

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Ingredients

Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 400g

Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (30ml)

Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons (45g)

Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

Dry white wine – 60ml (1/4 cup)

(or substitute chicken broth)

Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons

Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon

Crushed red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

Ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon

Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped

Linguine or spaghetti – 250g

Reserved pasta water – 60ml (1/4 cup)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 60ml (1/4 cup) of the pasta water before draining.

2. Cook the shrimp.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the lemon zest.

4. Combine pasta and shrimp.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.

5. Garnish and serve.

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately with optional lemon wedges or grated parmesan.

 

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Pro Tip:

Do not overcook the shrimp. Once they turn pink and form a “C” shape, they are done. An “O” shape indicates they have been overcooked and may be rubbery in texture.