Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a mouthwatering and easy-to-make Italian-American dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic and butter sauce, served over a bed of pasta. It's a delightful combination of flavors that's perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal. Here's a simple recipe to make Shrimp Scampi Pasta:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can be substituted with chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. The starchy pasta water will help to thicken the sauce later.

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3. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

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5. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

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7. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.

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9. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

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11. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

12. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a minute or two to allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.

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14. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, followed by the chopped parsley.

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16. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat them evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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18. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

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20. Serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta hot in individual plates. You can garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the pasta.

Enjoy your delectable Shrimp Scampi Pasta with its delightful blend of garlic, lemon, and butter flavors! It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to impress and satisfy.