Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

There’s something truly special about a dish that feels elegant enough for guests but is quick enough for a Tuesday night. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is exactly that—a classic pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, brimming with bright, savory flavors. The simple sauce of white wine, garlic, and fresh lemon clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, while the tender shrimp provides a perfect bite. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular.

Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 1 minute to allow the alcohol to cook off.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the drained pasta, fresh parsley, and lemon zest to the skillet with the shrimp.
6. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with 1/4 cup) to help the sauce emulsify and coat the pasta. Continue to toss until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce has a silky consistency. Add more pasta water if needed.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra parsley and a wedge of lemon if desired.

Nutritional Information

Estimates per serving (serves 2-3)