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Quick Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy weeknight pasta dish with tender shrimp, al dente linguine, and a glossy garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) reserved pasta water
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt.
  2. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and a pinch of black pepper.
  4. Just before the pasta is done, scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta in a colander (do not rinse).
  5. While the pasta drains, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not brown.
  7. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  8. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  9. Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Pour in 1/3 cup of reserved pasta water. Use tongs to toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly. Add more pasta water if needed.
  10. Remove from heat. Toss in fresh parsley, taste, and adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Reserve more pasta water than you think you need (at least 1 cup). Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should curl into a loose C shape. Watch the garlic carefully to prevent burning. Use cold butter for better emulsification. Time the pasta and sauce to finish together for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, quick pasta, garlic butter shrimp, weeknight dinner, easy seafood pasta, 20 minute meal

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/quick-garlic-shrimp-scampi-pasta-in-20-minutes/