Garlicky Lemon Shrimp Scampi

1. Heat Olive Oil and Cook Garlic

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Allow it to cook until it becomes fragrant, about one minute. You don’t want the garlic to brown, just to release its wonderful aroma.

2. Cook Shrimp

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, about two to three minutes per side. The shrimp should be just cooked through to retain their tenderness. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

3. Prepare Sauce Base

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This will add depth to your sauce. Allow the liquid to reduce by half, which should take about three to four minutes.

4. Add Butter and Flavorings

Once reduced, lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Stir until it melts completely, creating a silky sauce. Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the flavors.

5. Combine Shrimp with Sauce

Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until they're well-coated and heated through. This should only take a minute or two. You want the shrimp to soak up all that luscious sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

If you’re serving this over pasta, now is the time to toss your cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure each strand is covered in the garlicky lemon sauce. Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herby note that ties the whole dish together.