Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Set aside.

2. Sauté the shrimp:

   • While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the garlic butter sauce:

   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
   • Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly reduces.

4. Combine the pasta and shrimp:

   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta nicely.

5. Finish and serve:

   • Stir in lemon zest, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

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This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner. It's a delicious way to enjoy shrimp with a light yet creamy garlic butter sauce, and the lemon adds a refreshing zing to balance the flavors.