Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
A delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with comforting pasta, sautéed with garlic, citrus, and herbs for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine Use your preferred type of pasta.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh shrimp is recommended.
Cooking Essentials
- 3 tablespoons olive oil High-quality olive oil will enhance flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter Unsalted butter recommended.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best for flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust spice level to taste.
- 1/2 cup white broth Can use chicken or vegetable broth.
- Juice of 1 lemon Fresh lemon juice recommended.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season according to preference.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and save a cup of pasta water.
Preparing the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and sizzling.
- Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
Combining Ingredients
- Pour in the white broth and lemon juice, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly. If too dry, add reserved pasta water to desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. For variations, consider using zucchini noodles or adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes.