Shrimp Scampi with Parmesan

Ingredients

• Cooked pasta (8 ounces (spaghetti or linguine))
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
• White wine (1/2 cup)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
5. In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together, ensuring the shrimp are well combined with the pasta and sauce.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.