Looking for a dish that brings the taste of the coast to your dinner table? This shrimp scampi is a showstopper, bursting with flavor and perfect for serving a larger group. It’s a quick recipe that combines succulent shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce, making it a timeless favorite for any seafood lover.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with pasta, rice, or a fresh loaf of crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. In no time, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress your guests without breaking a sweat.
Classic Ingredients for a Seafood Delight
When creating a captivating shrimp scampi, the quality of ingredients plays a significant role. Fresh, large shrimp is essential for achieving that succulent texture and rich flavor. Look for shrimp that is peeled and deveined for convenience, allowing you to focus on the cooking process.
Butter and olive oil combine to create a luxurious sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully. Garlic, a key player in this dish, infuses the oil with its aromatic essence, while red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. A splash of dry white wine and fresh lemon juice enhance the dish’s brightness, making every bite unforgettable.
Preparing the Perfect Pasta
Linguine is the traditional choice for shrimp scampi, as its flat shape allows it to hold the delicious sauce effectively. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures a pleasing texture that pairs wonderfully with the tender shrimp.
As you prepare the pasta, don’t forget to save a bit of the cooking water. This starchy liquid can be a game-changer when it comes to achieving that perfect sauce consistency. It helps to bind the dish together and enhances the overall flavor.
Cooking the Shrimp
The cooking technique for shrimp scampi is straightforward yet rewarding. Start by melting butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. The moment the garlic is added, the kitchen will fill with an enticing aroma that signals the beginning of a delicious meal.
Adding the shrimp in a single layer allows for even cooking, ensuring that every piece is perfectly pink and tender. Seasoning with salt and black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp, making them stand out in the final dish.
Crafting the Flavorful Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to create the sauce. Pouring in white wine and lemon juice brings a delightful acidity that balances the richness of the butter. Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld together as it reduces slightly.
This step is crucial for developing depth in the dish. The wine not only adds flavor but also helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the delightful bits left behind from cooking the shrimp.
Bringing It All Together
With the shrimp cooked and the sauce perfected, it’s time to combine. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green of the parsley adds a fresh touch that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
If the sauce seems too thick, the reserved pasta water can be stirred in gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. This final touch ensures that the shrimp and pasta are well-coated in that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Serving Up a Culinary Masterpiece
Presentation can elevate your shrimp scampi from a simple meal to an impressive dish. Serve the scampi over a bed of linguine, garnishing with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.
Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine and some crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce. This combination creates a delightful dining experience that invites conversation and enjoyment around the table.
Delicious Shrimp Scampi Recipe for 6 Servings
This classic shrimp scampi is rich, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, tender, and coated in a fragrant sauce that makes each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the chopped parsley. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g