Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish made with shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with white wine, lemon, and a touch of red pepper flakes. It's flavorful, quick, and perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread. Here’s how to make it:

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, depending on your preference)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (optional, if serving with pasta)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta (Optional):

• If you're serving the shrimp scampi with pasta, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
• Pour in the white wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
• If you're serving with pasta, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Serve:

• Plate the shrimp scampi, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta, and enjoy!

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Tips:

• Wine Substitution: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can use chicken broth instead of white wine, though it won't have the same depth of flavor.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamy version, stir in a little heavy cream at the end of cooking the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach to the dish for extra flavor and color.
• Pasta Variations: While linguine is traditional, you can use other types of pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zoodles for a low-carb option.

This Shrimp Scampi is quick, delicious, and full of bright flavors from garlic, lemon, and white wine. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends!