Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
A delightful dish that combines tender shrimp with a garlic butter sauce, all tossed with pasta, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined Can substitute with chicken or firm tofu.
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti Feel free to use any pasta shape.
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided Use a vegan alternative for dairy-free version.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Increase for more heat.
- 1 large lemon, juice plus zest About 3 tablespoons of juice.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth Chicken broth can be used to avoid alcohol.
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Optional for garnish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Nutritional yeast can be used for vegan version.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Shrimp
- While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Making the Sauce
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate.
Deglazing the Skillet
- Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Combining Everything
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is silky.
Tossing Pasta and Shrimp
- Add the drained pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Finishing Off
- Stir in chopped parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a rustic touch, consider serving this dish with Italian bread. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving enhances the taste experience.