Ah, Shrimp Scampi! Just saying it makes my mouth water. This classic Italian dish is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and rich butter that never fails to impress. I remember the first time I tried making it; I had just returned from a trip to Italy, and I was determined to recreate that magical dining experience at home. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled my kitchen, and I could practically hear my taste buds singing! It’s a dish that’s not just about the incredible flavors but also the memories it creates around the table. Trust me, once you try this Shrimp Scampi, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together. Let’s dive into this simple yet elegant recipe!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi
Gathering the ingredients for my Shrimp Scampi is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 1 pound shrimp – Peeled and deveined, these little gems are the star of the show, providing that juicy, tender bite.
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced, of course! Garlic adds that aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and butter.
- 1/2 cup butter – This is where the richness comes from. It helps create that luscious sauce that coats everything perfectly.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – A splash of this golden goodness adds depth and helps prevent the butter from burning.
- 1/4 cup white wine – It adds acidity and enhances the flavors, making each bite sing!
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, please! It brightens everything up and balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Just a hint of heat to elevate the dish; adjust based on your spice preference!
- Salt and pepper – Always essential for seasoning to taste.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped for garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness.
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti – This is what you’ll toss everything with; pick your favorite pasta for the perfect bite!
With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to making a delicious Shrimp Scampi that will impress anyone lucky enough to share your table!
How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi
Getting ready to whip up my Shrimp Scampi is like preparing for a little culinary adventure, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! Let’s dive right in!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I always add about a tablespoon of salt to really flavor the pasta. Toss in 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and give it a gentle stir. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it firm to the bite because it’ll continue cooking when you toss it with the shrimp. And don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for your sauce!
Sautéing the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, let’s get to the good stuff! In a large skillet, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once that butter melts and starts to shimmer, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it’ll get bitter! Now, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’re done when they turn a beautiful pink and are opaque. Trust me, the smell is heavenly at this point!
Combining Ingredients
Now for the magic moment! Once your pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in 1/4 cup of white wine and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, then sprinkle in those red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good toss to combine, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water if it looks a bit dry. You want that luscious sauce to coat every strand of pasta and shrimp perfectly. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color and flavor! And there you have it—your Shrimp Scampi is ready to shine on the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—dinner on the table in just 25 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that come together for a burst of flavor.
- Perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests.
- Versatile and can be served over different pasta types.
- Rich, buttery sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Fresh and bright flavors that bring a taste of Italy to your home!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Shrimp Scampi is all about those little details! Here are my top tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time:
- Use fresh shrimp – Trust me, it makes a world of difference! Fresh shrimp not only taste better but also have a firmer texture.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – They only need about 2-3 minutes in the skillet. When they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Overcooking can make them rubbery, and nobody wants that.
- Reserve pasta water – That starchy water is your secret weapon! It helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Adjust the spice level – If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Garnish generously – A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks gorgeous but adds a fresh flavor that ties everything together.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a Shrimp Scampi that will wow your taste buds and impress your guests!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk numbers! This Shrimp Scampi is not only delicious but also relatively light, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your meal with peace of mind, knowing you’re treating yourself to something both tasty and relatively healthy!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! You can use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi recipe, and it works just fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I recommend placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture in the pan, which can affect the sauce. You’ll still get that delicious flavor, and it’s a great option if you don’t have fresh shrimp on hand!
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you don’t have white wine or prefer not to use it, no worries! You can substitute it with a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a bit of acidity, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to mimic that bright flavor. Just remember, the wine adds depth, so adjust your seasonings to keep everything balanced. You’ll still have a fabulous Shrimp Scampi without the wine!
How can I make Shrimp Scampi spicy?
If you’re a fan of heat, there are a few ways to spice up your Shrimp Scampi! First, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce or even a diced fresh chili pepper when sautéing the garlic. For an extra kick, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just remember to start small—you can always add more heat, but it’s tricky to dial it back once it’s in there!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of my delicious Shrimp Scampi, you’re in for a treat because it reheats beautifully! To store, simply transfer any uneaten scampi to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing it up!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating them gently. You can do this on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to keep things moist and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You could also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite of that buttery goodness again!
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Shrimp Scampi: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Irresistible Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian dish made with shrimp, garlic, and butter.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, and add red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture.
- Toss to coat and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Italian Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp