Dea’s Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 6 servings thin spaghetti noodles (or whichever pasta you prefer)
  • 1-2 pounds shrimp, (large or extra large) peeled, tailed, and deveined
  • 1/3 cup butter 
  • 1 teaspoon garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes*
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives**
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese***
  • 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook 10 minutes (or as the label directs, if using other pasta). Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
  2. Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt. Heat the 1/3 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes* and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add the shrimp and cook, flipping halfway through, until pink and just cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side (DO NOT OVERCOOK). Remove the shrimp to a plate.
  4. Add the broth, lemon juice, and chives to the skillet. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until slightly reduced, 2-5 minutes. Add cream cheese, cook and stir until incorporated. 
  5. Return the shrimp and any juices from the plate to the skillet along with the spaghetti and cut-up butter. Continue to cook, tossing, until the butter is melted and the shrimp is hot, about 2 minutes, adding the reserved cooking water a little at a time if/as needed. Season with salt, if desired. Serve topped with parmesan cheese.

Notes

*I leave out for Mammy/Dad and add myself on my plate.
**Can use 4 fresh green onions, diced. If you use fresh green onions, add with garlic and red pepper flakes in step 2 instead of adding in step 4.
***This is optional. You can leave this out entirely – add less, add more – whatever you like. The cream cheese adds a little creaminess to it instead of a straight butter sauce.