Shrimp Scampi

The aroma of sizzling garlic and shrimp wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to an Italian seaside trattoria. Shrimp scampi, with its buttery sauce and tender shrimp, is a dish that captivates the senses like no other.

Imagine twirling spaghetti around your fork, each bite bursting with flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh parsley. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it sets the stage for cozy gatherings or romantic dinners.

I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi for my family; their delighted reactions were priceless as they devoured every last bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Shrimp: Use large, peeled shrimp for a hearty texture that stands up to the sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves add an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on this crucial ingredient!

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens the dish and balances flavors beautifully.

• Butter: The secret to a rich sauce; opt for unsalted to control seasoning.

• Olive Oil: A splash adds depth and enhances the rich buttery flavor.

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness.

• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little kick; adjust according to your heat tolerance.

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine): Choose your favorite type to serve as the base for this delicious sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 30 seconds. Toss in the shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque—approximately 3-4 minutes.

Add Flavorful Sauces: Squeeze in freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cooked shrimp. Stir well to ensure all shrimp are coated in that zesty goodness.

Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with shrimp. Toss everything together gently until well combined, ensuring each strand is drenched in that luxurious sauce—about 2 minutes on low heat.

Garnish and Serve Warm: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Plate up generously while it’s hot because nobody likes cold shrimp scampi!

Enjoy every bite as you savor this delightful symphony of flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic in butter and olive oil; then, add the shrimp until pink. While the shrimp cook, boil pasta to save time and ensure everything is perfectly timed.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out linguine for spaghetti or use fresh herbs like parsley instead of dried. A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

Cooking this shrimp scampi always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dinner and complimented my culinary adventure.

FAQ

What is the best type of shrimp for shrimp scampi?

Large, deveined shrimp work best for a satisfying bite in your dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them properly before cooking for optimal results.

What wine pairs well with shrimp scampi?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors beautifully.

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Shrimp Scampi

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Shrimp scampi is a delightful Italian dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce bursting with flavors of garlic and lemon. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, making it a go-to for cozy dinners or gatherings. Serve it over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. You’ll love the explosion of flavors in every bite!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb large peeled shrimp
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine

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Instructions

1. Prepare your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet; cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes, mixing well to coat the shrimp.
5. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and mix gently for about 2 minutes on low heat.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 220mg