Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: A Luxurious Weeknight Dinner 🍤🍝
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in your own kitchen, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress—even on a busy weeknight!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter, melted 🧈
- 4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- 1 lemon, juiced 🍋
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until pink and opaque. Alternatively, sauté them in a hot skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, add the reserved pasta water to the remaining marinade and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir to combine, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
This version of shrimp scampi is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist! Shrimp provides lean protein and vital nutrients, while the buttery garlic sauce is lightened up with fresh lemon juice. Adding pasta makes it a filling and satisfying meal that’s still quick enough for a busy weeknight. And using the air fryer for the shrimp ensures they’re perfectly cooked without extra oil.
Tips for Success 🏆
- Use Quality Pasta: Opt for high-quality linguine or spaghetti for the best texture.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: It’s the secret ingredient that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce? Add another tablespoon of butter and a splash more pasta water.
FAQ ❓
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Absolutely! Fettuccine, angel hair, or even penne work great with this dish.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: No problem! Sauté the shrimp in a skillet with butter or olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Q: How can I add more veggies?
A: Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to make the dish even more nutritious.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Whether it’s a family dinner or a romantic date night, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. 🍽️✨
