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Flavorful Zesty Shrimp Scampi Dinner Bowl

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A quick and easy shrimp scampi dinner bowl featuring garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, perfect for New Year’s Eve or any special occasion. This comforting dish combines tender shrimp with a buttery, zesty sauce served over pasta or your choice of base.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti pasta (or gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles)
  • Olive oil for tossing
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, extra lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base (15 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Prep the Shrimp (5 minutes): While pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help them sear properly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté Garlic & Shrimp (5-7 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds (don’t let it brown!). Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce (3-5 minutes): Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Let the liquid reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine & Finish (2 minutes): Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce. Add cooked pasta and chopped parsley, tossing gently to combine and warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve: Divide into bowls, garnish with Parmesan and extra lemon wedges, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Let the wine or broth reduce to concentrate flavor. Start pasta first to multitask efficiently. Season gradually to avoid over-salting. Fresh parsley adds brightness; dried Italian herbs can substitute if needed. For dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan. For low-carb, substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, shrimp dinner, easy shrimp recipe, New Year's Eve dinner, garlic butter shrimp, lemon shrimp, quick dinner, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/flavorful-zesty-shrimp-scampi-dinner-bowl-easy-new-years-eve-recipe-2/