Shrimp Scampi for Two: An Italian Restaurant Favorite Under $10
Shrimp scampi has a reputation as a special-occasion restaurant dish, but this version brings that same garlicky, buttery magic home for well under $10 total. Plump shrimp sear quickly in a hot pan before a simple sauce comes together right in the same skillet, built from garlic, a splash of chicken broth, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice that keeps everything bright rather than heavy. A swirl of butter at the end turns the sauce glossy and rich, clinging perfectly to a bed of pasta tossed in at the last minute. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth throughout, while fresh parsley finishes the dish with color and freshness. The whole thing comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a genuinely doable weeknight version of a dish that usually feels reserved for date nights out. Whether it’s for an actual date or just a night you want dinner to feel a little more special, this scampi delivers big flavor without a big bill.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the remaining butter until the sauce turns glossy.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
