Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine

This recipe is all about speed and flavor! Whip up this One-Pan Shrimp Scampi in under 30 minutes and impress your taste buds (and maybe someone special) with a symphony of garlic butter and succulent shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) of your favorite long pasta (linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti – you choose!)
• Generous pinches of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for getting things sizzling
• 2 tablespoons butter, because everything is better with butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s the star!
• 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, based on your preference)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) – for a touch of fiery magic
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) – deglaze that pan with some magic potion!
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for a pop of color and freshness (optional)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste – add a little pucker power! (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for the ultimate cheesy finish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pasta Party: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches al dente perfection (usually around 8-12 minutes). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water – it’ll be our secret weapon later.

2. Shrimpy Sizzle: While the pasta twirls around, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and let them cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn a beautiful pink and opaque. Don’t forget to use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate for a well-deserved rest.

3. Garlic Butter Heaven: In the same skillet, melt that butter over medium heat. Now comes the magic – add the minced garlic and cook it for 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma. But remember, don’t let it burn!

4. Spice Up Your Life (Optional): Feeling adventurous? Toss in that pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

5. Deglazing Magic: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this delightful mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, until it reduces slightly.

6. The Saucy Finale: Now for the grand finale! Add the reserved pasta water (start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed) to create a light and luxurious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

7. The Grand Reunion: Return the rested shrimp to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that glorious garlic butter sauce.

8. Presentation Perfection: Plate your masterpiece and garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional), a squeeze of lemon juice (optional), and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (optional) for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips:

• Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or angel hair would all be delightful companions to this dish.
• Be gentle with the shrimp! Overcooking can turn them tough and rubbery.
• Craving a richer sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for an extra decadent touch.
• No white wine? No problem! Chicken broth works just as well.
• Need to feed a crowd? Easily double or triple this recipe to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
• Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Dinner date in a dash? This one-pan shrimp scampi is ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with garlicky goodness! It’s sure to leave you wanting more.