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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal with this Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. This classic Italian-American dish features succulent, perfectly seared shrimp tossed with tender pasta in a rich, zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce. By using fresh aromatics and finishing the sauce with a splash of starchy pasta water, you create a silky, emulsified coating that clings beautifully to every strand of linguine. It is a rapid, sophisticated dinner option that comes together in under twenty minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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8 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced finely
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Sea salt to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve one-half cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt two tablespoons of butter.
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Sear for two minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, then set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Sauté the minced garlic for one minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Whisk in the lemon juice and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet until thoroughly coated.

Notes

For best results, use fresh rather than frozen garlic. Ensure the shrimp are patted dry before searing to achieve a better crust. You can garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for extra color and heat.