Tangy Shrimp Scampi

Tangy Shrimp Scampi

This Tangy Shrimp Scampi brings an exciting twist to the classic dish with added zesty flavors from lemon, white wine, and a touch of red pepper for heat. It’s a bright, fresh, and quick meal that's perfect for any seafood lover!

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Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For the Tangy Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (for that tangy kick)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
• Salt (for pasta water)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Cook the Shrimp

• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Tangy Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
• Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
• Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Shrimp and Pasta

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic-lemon butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
• Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until the shrimp and pasta are well combined.

5. Serve

• Plate the shrimp scampi and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

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Tips

• Lemon Variations: For a stronger tangy flavor, you can add more lemon juice or even a bit of lemon zest as a garnish.
• Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
• Extra Creaminess: For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream when you add the wine to the sauce.

This Tangy Shrimp Scampi delivers the perfect balance of brightness and richness, with the lemon and garlic butter sauce adding a punch of flavor that will leave you craving more! 🍤🍋