Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring succulent shrimp in a garlic-butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, usually served with pasta. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet, and sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant and golden (but not burnt).
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine the Shrimp and Pasta:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until everything is well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Optionally, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: You can add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice right before serving or even a handful of capers.
- Make it spicy: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or even add a finely chopped fresh chili.
- Vegetable options: Consider adding spinach, tomatoes, or asparagus to the dish for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy your Shrimp Scampi with a side of crusty bread for soaking up that delicious garlic-butter sauce, or a fresh salad for a light meal!