Shrimp Scampi

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a dish that brings together the richness of buttery sauce, the brightness of lemon, and the sweetness of shrimp. It’s an elegant meal yet unbelievably simple to whip up — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Imagine tender pasta perfectly coated in a garlicky, aromatic sauce, punctuated by the freshness of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. This dish isn’t just about flavors; it satisfies the senses with its vibrant colors and delightful aroma wafting from your kitchen.

I still remember the first time I attempted to make shrimp scampi. A casual dinner invitation had me scrolling through my recipe box, and this crowd-pleaser caught my eye. As the garlic sizzled and the shrimp turned a lovely pink, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Ever since then, it has become my go-to for impressing friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Now, let’s get started on creating this delightful dish together!

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

1. Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, preparing to cook the pasta just al dente.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful sear.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add 2 Tablespoons of unsalted butter (28g) and melt until bubbling. Then, increase the heat to high and add the shrimp without moving them. Cook for about 2 minutes until they turn pink, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
4. Cook the Shallots: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter (28g). Once melted, pour in the olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and diced shallots. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the shallots are softened and translucent.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant and golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on it — burnt garlic is a quick way to ruin the dish!
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the white wine and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and fragrant.
7. Incorporate Lemon: Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter (28g), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Lower the heat to low to keep warm.
8. Cook the Pasta: Adjust the boiling water by adding a teaspoon of salt. Stir in the pasta and cook until just al dente, around 6-8 minutes.
9. Combine with Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving 1 and 1/2 cups of the pasta water. Return the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for one additional minute to warm through.
10. Mix Everything Together: Remove the skillet from the heat and test the sauce for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Toss the pasta into the sauce along with fresh parsley and stir well to coat.
11. Adjust Consistency: Add 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water to the mixture. Continue adding small splashes until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
12. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with extra parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices if desired.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftovers, let the shrimp scampi cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 2 days when refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to rejuvenate the sauce.

Shrimp scampi captures the essence of coastal cooking with each scrumptious bite. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or enjoying a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. With its aromatic spice blend and delightful sauce, your dinner table will undoubtedly reverberate with compliments.

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Shrimp Scampi

Recipe Author: Sara

Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish that features tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with white wine and fresh parsley. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s great for a quick dinner or a special occasion, making it perfect for home cooks seeking a delicious homemade treat.

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• Prep Time N/A
• Cook Time 40 minutes
• Yield 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 3/4 pound (340g) dried pasta (linguini or angel hair, recommended)
• 1 and 1/2 pounds (681g) jumbo fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
• Salt and Pepper (as needed)
• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (divided)
• 6 Tablespoons (85ml) olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 small shallots (finely diced)
• 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup (171ml) white wine
• 1/4 cup (57ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (finely grated)
• 2 Tablespoons (18g) fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• lemon slices (garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, season shrimp with salt and pepper.
4. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet.
5. Increase heat to high, add shrimp, and cook for 2 minutes without moving them. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more.
6. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter, and let it melt.
8. Add olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and shallots; cook until shallots are softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
9. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
10. Pour in the wine, let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11. Mix in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest; reduce heat to low.
12. Once the water is boiling, add salt and then the pasta; cook until just al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
13. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 and 1/2 cups of the pasta water.
14. Return the shrimp to the skillet and warm for 1 minute.
15. Remove skillet from heat, taste sauce, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
16. Toss in pasta and parsley, stirring well to coat.
17. Add 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water and toss; continue adding water until desired sauce consistency is achieved.
18. Drizzle with more olive oil, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
19. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.

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Notes

For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
Ensure to reserve enough pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
Using freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the dish’s brightness.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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