Shrimp Scampi
Highlighted under: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes
This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, butter, and a splash of white wine, served over pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with the sweetness of shrimp. It's a quick and easy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich garlic and butter sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- Versatile dish that pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread
The Perfect Pairing
Shrimp scampi is a delightful dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. The tender shrimp, combined with the richness of garlic and butter, creates an irresistible sauce that clings to pasta beautifully. Whether you choose linguine or spaghetti, the long strands of pasta allow you to enjoy every bit of the savory sauce. This dish is not only satisfying but also visually appealing, making it a hit at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Pairing shrimp scampi with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables enhances the meal's overall appeal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. For a more indulgent experience, consider serving it alongside a glass of chilled dry white wine, which complements the flavors of the shrimp and enhances the dining experience.
A Quick and Easy Meal
One of the standout features of this shrimp scampi recipe is its speed and simplicity. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The straightforward cooking process requires minimal preparation, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with family or friends rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is not only quick but also budget-friendly. You can easily find fresh shrimp and pantry staples like garlic and pasta at your local grocery store. This recipe emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients, so opt for the freshest shrimp you can find to elevate the dish's flavor. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so luxurious.
Versatility at Its Best
One of the reasons shrimp scampi has remained a beloved recipe over the years is its versatility. While it is traditionally served with pasta, you can easily customize it to cater to different dietary preferences. For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles or sautéed spinach. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, substituting regular pasta with gluten-free varieties works beautifully without sacrificing flavor.
Additionally, shrimp scampi can be transformed into a complete meal by adding vegetables. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. You can also experiment with the level of spice by adjusting the red pepper flakes, catering to both mild and adventurous palates. This adaptability makes shrimp scampi a dish you can enjoy in countless variations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Scampi!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Make the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in the remaining butter and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shrimp is best for shrimp scampi? For the best results, choose large, fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined. If fresh shrimp is unavailable, frozen shrimp can also be used. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time? While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, add the shrimp and pasta, and enjoy a quick meal.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra wine to the pan to prevent drying out and help bring the dish back to life.
Freezing shrimp scampi is not recommended, as the shrimp can become rubbery once thawed. However, if you have leftover sauce, you can freeze it for future use. Just remember to defrost it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Success
For the best flavor, avoid overcooking the shrimp. They should be cooked just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy, detracting from the dish's overall enjoyment.
When making the sauce, don’t forget to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible depth of flavor to the dish. Lastly, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, ensuring a perfect balance of salt, pepper, and acidity from the lemon juice.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.
→ What type of pasta works best for Shrimp Scampi?
Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices, but any pasta you prefer can work.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the shrimp and pasta just before serving.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or even some chopped fresh chili to the sauté.
Shrimp Scampi
This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, butter, and a splash of white wine, served over pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in the remaining butter and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 24g