Description
Summer Shrimp Scampi is a light and flavorful Italian-American pasta dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic, fresh lemon, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, all tossed in a buttery white wine sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for warm-weather dining, delivering bright, fresh flavors and satisfying seafood goodness in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces linguine or angel hair pasta
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later.
- Heat butter and oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This combination prevents the butter from burning and adds flavor.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until fully opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth along with the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they are just softened, about 2 minutes.
- Toss everything together: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss to combine with the sauce and tomatoes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Season and serve: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery.
- Fresh basil can be added for an additional layer of flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
