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Flavorful Zesty Shrimp Scampi Dinner Bowl

zesty shrimp scampi dinner bowl - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp scampi dinner bowl featuring tender shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a bright splash of lemon, perfect for celebrations or cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (60 ml) or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente, or 2 cups cooked rice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: peel and devein shrimp if needed, mince garlic, chop parsley, zest and juice lemon, keeping zest and juice separate.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain. For rice, cook according to package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Work in batches if necessary.
  5. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up bits from the pan. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce and meld flavors.
  6. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and lemon zest until melted and silky. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Add cooked pasta or rice to the pan and toss well to coat evenly with sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley and toss again.
  8. Divide into serving dishes, top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen. Cook shrimp quickly to avoid rubbery texture. Lemon zest added at the end provides a fresh pop of flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil. Use wild-caught shrimp for best flavor. Reserve some pasta water to help sauce cling to noodles.

Nutrition

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