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Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi for Two

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A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe perfect for two, featuring a rich garlic butter sauce with a fresh lemon finish. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s ideal for a cozy dinner without leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp (medium or large size)
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth as substitute)
  • Juice of half a fresh lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 oz (170 g) dried spaghetti or linguine (or gluten-free pasta)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 oz spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat 12 oz shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate, leaving garlic butter sauce in the pan.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet. Scrape browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sauce should be glossy and aromatic.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick. Mix in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  8. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid rubbery texture. Cook garlic over medium heat and watch closely to prevent burning. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the dish. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and use chicken broth instead of wine. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat gently in a skillet.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/flavorful-garlic-butter-shrimp-scampi-for-two-easy-recipe-steps/