Easy Shrimp Scampi

Name: Easy Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off; 8 oz linguine pasta; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

A quick and elegant seafood dish featuring plump shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, buttery white wine sauce with a hint of lemon. Served over pasta, this classic Italian-American favorite comes together in minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

25 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerStovetopPescatarianPork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
8 oz linguine pasta
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz linguine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2

While pasta is cooking, pat the 1 lb peeled and deveined, tails on or off large shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
4

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
5

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
6

Pour in the 1/2 cup such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc dry white wine and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
7

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp lemon zest until the butter is melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
8

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices and toss to coat in the sauce. Heat just until the shrimp are warmed through.
9

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
10

Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
11

Serve immediately with 1/4 cup for serving grated Parmesan cheese on top.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Easy Shrimp Scampi reach?

For Easy Shrimp Scampi, the target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why save the pasta water for Easy Shrimp Scampi?

Step 1 reads: "Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining." The water is full of starch. Added back as step 1 directs, it emulsifies the sauce so it clings to the pasta instead of pooling in the bowl.

What can I use instead of white wine in Easy Shrimp Scampi?

The entry for Easy Shrimp Scampi calls for 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. In its place: Use chicken or vegetable stock with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice per half cup for the acidity.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of shrimp in Easy Shrimp Scampi?

Yes; most shrimp sold as fresh were frozen once already. Thaw them under cold running water for about ten minutes and pat them very dry so they sear instead of steaming. As written, the entry for Easy Shrimp Scampi uses 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off.

Can I make Easy Shrimp Scampi less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Easy Shrimp Scampi comes from 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the red pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes.

Can I make Easy Shrimp Scampi gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Easy Shrimp Scampi is 8 oz linguine pasta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

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