How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Italian-American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This classic Italian-American dish features plump shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter wine sauce over al dente linguine. It is ready in under 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and pour in the white wine. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook or they will become rubbery.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dry white wine → low-sodium chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice
- linguine pasta → zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the shrimp past the point when they curl into a C shape, making them tough and rubbery
- Burning the garlic by using heat that is too high, which makes the sauce bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 32g protein, 42g carbs, 18g fat, 2g fiber.
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