Description
This Shrimp Scampi recipe captures the delicious flavors of Red Lobster’s classic dish with succulent shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter, all tossed together in a rich sauce. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp butter (divided)
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 lemon, juiced and zested
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½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
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¼ cup chicken broth (or more if needed)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
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8 oz spaghetti or linguine (or pasta of choice)
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Salt, for pasta water
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Scampi Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and chicken broth, scraping up any bits left in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
5️⃣ Finish and Serve:
Once the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
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Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with extra chicken broth or vegetable broth.
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Shrimp Tips: Be sure not to overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly—just a few minutes on each side is all it takes.
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Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter and use olive oil for the entire dish. You can also substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or a whole-grain option.
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Add Veggies: For added color and flavor, toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus with the garlic in step 3.
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Garnish: You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min