Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender shrimp, zesty garlic, and a creamy lemon-butter sauce over al dente pasta is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making the perfect shrimp scampi, from the initial prep to the final plating.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per Serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Shallots, finely chopped | 2 |
| Lemon zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| White wine | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken stock | 1/2 cup |
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 pound |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Spaghetti or linguine | 12 ounces |
Cooking Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the shallots are translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Pour in the white wine and chicken stock, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the liquid to reduce by about half, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
- While the sauce is reducing, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the reserved pasta cooking water and stir to combine. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well to coat the noodles with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with additional parsley and a slice of lemon if desired. Enjoy your delicious and quick seafood dinner!
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a more filling meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a simple side of garlic bread. The dish is also versatile enough to be served as a main course or a luxurious appetizer.
Tips and Variations
- To make the dish more substantial, you can add some cooked chicken or scallops to the shrimp scampi.
- If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with more chicken stock or a splash of white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed garlic and shallots.
- Consider using different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, to change up the texture and presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or chicken stock to keep the pasta from drying out.
Shrimp scampi is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process, you’ll be able to whip up a gourmet meal in no time. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking!
