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Cajun Shrimp Scampi

A bold and spicy twist on traditional shrimp scampi, Cajun Shrimp Scampi combines garlic, butter, and Louisiana-style spices for a quick, flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Italian, Southern
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or frozen, thawed
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Slap Ya Mama or Tony Chachere’s recommended
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh, not powdered
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter To control saltiness
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil For quick browning
  • 1 Lemon, juiced Absolutely not optional
  • 1/2 cup White wine Or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped For garnish
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 8 oz Pasta (linguine or spaghetti) Choose according to preference

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water.
  2. While pasta cooks, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the shrimp.
  2. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and are slightly browned, then set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth), scraping the bottom of the pan, and let it bubble and reduce.
  5. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
  6. Return the shrimp to the pan, add chopped parsley, and toss to combine with the cooked pasta.
  7. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, topping with extra parsley.

Notes

Serve on a bed of buttery noodles or with crusty French bread. Garnish with extra lemon wedges. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to avoid rubbery shrimp.