Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti (half a standard box)
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente.
3. Save 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cooking the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt & pepper.
2. In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan (don’t wash the pan—keep the flavor!).

Making the Scampi Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Add 3 tbsp butter to the pan.
3. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes.
4. Cook 30 seconds (don’t brown the garlic).
5. Pour in white wine or chicken broth.
6. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
7. Add the lemon juice.

Bring It Together

1. Add shrimp back into the sauce.
2. Add cooked spaghetti.
3. Toss everything together.
4. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if you want it saucier.
5. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon.