Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this shrimp scampi recipe is sure to impress. With its aromatic blend of garlic, butter, and shrimp, this dish is a classic that never goes out of style. Serve it over pasta and enjoy a taste of the coast right in your home.
Ingredients
– 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti
– 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, while cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
8. If the dish is dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
9. Stir in the remaining butter and parsley.
10. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Additionally, olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a milder flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Shrimp scampi pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp may become rubbery.
Cooking Mistakes
– Overcooking shrimp can make them tough.
– Not seasoning the shrimp before cooking can result in blandness.
– Adding too much pasta water can make the dish soupy.
– Using old garlic can lead to a bitter taste.
– Skipping the fresh parsley diminishes flavor and presentation.
Helpful Tips
– Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
– Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the dish.
– Consider adding cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.
– Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for scampi?
For shrimp scampi, large or jumbo shrimp are ideal as they hold up well during cooking and provide a satisfying bite. Fresh shrimp is preferable, but frozen shrimp can work if properly thawed before use.
Can I make shrimp scampi without pasta?
Absolutely! Shrimp scampi can be served over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. You can also enjoy it as a standalone dish with a side of vegetables.
How can I make shrimp scampi spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh chili peppers into the dish. Adjust to your taste preference for the perfect kick.
Is shrimp scampi a healthy option?
Shrimp scampi can be a healthy meal if prepared with minimal butter and oil. It is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, especially if you serve it with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Conclusion
This shrimp scampi recipe is a quick and delicious option for any seafood lover. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction every time. Enjoy this classic meal any night of the week!
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 pound of large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
- Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- If the dish is dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the remaining butter and parsley.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired.
