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To start your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, cooking the pasta is of utmost importance. For this recipe, linguine or spaghetti are excellent choices, as they hold the sauce beautifully. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The key here is to ensure that the water is adequately salted; a good rule of thumb is to add about 1-2 tablespoons of salt for every gallon of water. This step not only seasons the pasta but also enhances its overall flavor.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, a delicious dish that combines buttery shrimp with aromatic garlic and tangy lemon. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this recipe is quick and simple, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare. Pair it with pasta or serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, it's sure to impress at any dinner table. Discover how to make this crowd-pleaser today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper.

      Prepare Sauce: Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

        Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the noodles in the garlic butter sauce. If needed, adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or reserved pasta water to reach your preferred sauce consistency.

          Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Divide the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi among serving plates, sprinkling with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges on the side.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings