Indulge in the delightful flavors of shrimp scampi, a classic Italian-American dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your kitchen. With succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused butter sauce and served over al dente pasta, this recipe is both simple and elegant. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, shrimp scampi is a dish that promises satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of protein, 15g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber. Note that these values may vary based on ingredient brands used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta.
2. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. While the pasta cooks, 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 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Increase heat to medium-high and add shrimp; season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
7. Pour in the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the skillet, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with shrimp.
9. Toss in the remaining butter and chopped parsley, mixing well to combine.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option, and vegetable broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
Serving and Pairings
Shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the shrimp can become rubbery upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Using too much garlic can overpower the dish.
- Not seasoning the shrimp and pasta adequately can result in bland flavors.
- Skipping the wine can affect the depth of flavor.
- Forgetting to toss the pasta with the sauce can lead to uneven flavor distribution.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine and spaghetti are traditional choices, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or even gluten-free options.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and quickly cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl into a C shape. Overcooking can make them tough.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. A glass of white wine complements the dish nicely too.
Conclusion
Shrimp scampi is an easy yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and quick preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delightful meal with loved ones and savor every bite!
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add shrimp; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with shrimp.
- Toss in the remaining butter and chopped parsley, mixing well to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.
