Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine, making the dish both decadent and flavorful. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped

“Cooking is an art, but all art requires knowing something about the techniques and processes.” — James Beard

Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.

Combine:

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi:

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so once they’re pink and opaque, remove them from the heat immediately.
2. Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or frozen shrimp that has been thawed. Pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but they won’t absorb the flavors of the sauce as well.
3. Adjust the Heat: If you like a little more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. For a milder dish, leave them out entirely.
4. Wine Choice: If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. The wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but broth will still create a flavorful dish.
5. Pasta Choices: While spaghetti or linguine is traditional for Shrimp Scampi, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.
6. Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates a rich and satisfying sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat, add vegetables, or serve with different types of pasta to suit your preferences.

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is a perfect balance of rich flavors and lightness, making it an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike!

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