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Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with Shrimp Scampi Bucatini
Ingredients
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Pasta
Shrimp & Seasoning
Sauce
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta
Boil water and cook bucatini
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz bucatini and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Shrimp & Seasoning
Season shrimp
Pat 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes and 1 tsp lemon zest until evenly coated.
Sear shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil (from the 2 tbsp) and when shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside. Do not overcook.
Sauce
Sweat aromatics
In the same skillet over medium heat, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter. When butter is melted and foamy, add 1 finely minced shallot and sauté 1–2 minutes until softened. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
Deglaze
Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by about half, 2–3 minutes.
Build the sauce
Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken broth if the sauce seems too concentrated. If you prefer a silkier, richer sauce, stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream now. Simmer 1 minute to combine and taste; adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combine & Finish
Toss pasta with sauce
Add drained bucatini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta cooking water a few tablespoons at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the bucatini (use up to 1/2 cup).
Return shrimp & finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently with the pasta just to warm through (30–60 seconds). Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, if using. Taste and finish with additional lemon juice or black pepper to taste.