Description
This Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi recipe combines tender shrimp with the rich flavors of garlic, chili crisp, and lemon, tossed with linguine for a spicy and satisfying Italian-American seafood dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sauté Garlic and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter together with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release maximum flavor.
- Add Chili Crisp and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the chili crisp and red pepper flakes into the garlic butter mixture to infuse the oil with spicy, savory notes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, brightening the sauce with fresh citrus notes.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the shrimp and sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for color and richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or chili crisp as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream at the end when tossing pasta.
- Substitute zucchini noodles to make this a low-carb option.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp based on your preferred spice level.
- Use high quality chili crisp for the best depth of flavor.
