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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Easy 15-Min Dinner

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A fast, restaurant-quality garlic butter shrimp scampi that comes together in under 20 minutes using simple ingredients and a technique that ensures tender shrimp and a silky, emulsified sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp (21–25 count), raw, peeled, and deveined
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of starchy pasta water and set pasta aside.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted and foaming, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Add lemon juice and about half of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Whisk or swirl to combine and let sauce thicken slightly.
  7. Return shrimp to the pan and add the cooked pasta. Toss vigorously. Add more pasta water a splash at a time if needed to achieve a glossy, clinging consistency.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and parsley.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp to ensure they sear rather than steam. Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for best flavor. The starch from the reserved pasta water is crucial for emulsifying the sauce into a creamy consistency without adding cream. Shrimp continue to cook from residual heat, so remove them from the pan while slightly underdone to prevent rubberiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, 15 minute meal, pasta recipe, seafood, weeknight dinner, easy shrimp recipe

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