Description
A lightning-fast, 20-minute weeknight dinner that transforms pantry staples into restaurant-quality shrimp scampi. This creamy, garlic-rich pasta is perfect for busy evenings and is kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, reducing time by 1 minute for al dente texture. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp to a plate, leaving pan uncleaned.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and seared shrimp (with any juices) to the skillet. Pour in about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.
- Toss vigorously with tongs until the sauce is glossy and coats the noodles. Add more pasta water if needed. Garnish with lemon zest and parsley.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp; they will become rubbery if left in the pan too long. Always reserve pasta water as the starch helps emulsify the sauce. Fresh garlic is essential; jarred garlic can leave a metallic aftertaste. Grate your own Parmesan cheese to ensure a smooth sauce. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream sauce separating upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: shrimp scampi, creamy pasta, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight meals, 20 minute recipes, family friendly pasta