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Valentine’s Day Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Easy White Wine Sauce for Two

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This romantic shrimp scampi features plump shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, buttery white wine sauce, finished with lemon and parsley. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any cozy dinner for two, it comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or substitute chicken broth)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Italian flat-leaf preferred)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
  • 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  5. Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1 minute until sauce is glossy and fragrant.
  7. Return shrimp to pan, add drained pasta, and toss everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems thick.
  8. Check seasoning and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  9. Divide between two plates. Garnish with extra parsley, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter. Don’t crowd the pan when cooking shrimp for best texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat gently to avoid tough shrimp.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, Valentine’s Day, white wine sauce, romantic dinner, seafood, easy recipe, date night, pasta, garlic shrimp, Italian

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/valentines-day-shrimp-scampi-recipe-easy-white-wine-sauce-for-two/