Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Shrimp Scampi Sauce & Shrimp
To Finish (optional)
Method
Pasta
Bring water to a boil
In a large pot, bring 4 liters (about 1 gallon) of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt to the water.
Cook pasta
Add 12 oz linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Shrimp Scampi Sauce & Shrimp
Prepare shrimp
Pat 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
Heat fat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once the butter foams and the mixture is hot but not smoking, proceed.
Sear shrimp
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Avoid overcooking. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Cook garlic and aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Deglaze and reduce
Pour in 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape any brown bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish sauce
Add 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Adjust sauce consistency
If the sauce seems thin, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; if too thin, simmer another minute to reduce. Add 2–3 tablespoons reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to pasta if needed.
To Finish (assembly)
Toss pasta with sauce
Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp (or return both to the pasta pot). Toss vigorously for 1 minute so the sauce evenly coats the pasta. If necessary, add more reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to achieve a silky consistency.
Add finishing touches
Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1/2 cup chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional). Adjust salt and pepper to taste and squeeze extra lemon if desired.