Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with shrimp scampi! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate—so comforting and utterly delicious. I remember the first time I made this shrimp scampi recipe; it was a weeknight, and I wanted something quick but impressive. In just about 25 minutes, I had this fragrant, buttery pasta dish that made my kitchen smell divine! The shrimp turn bright pink, soaking up all that garlicky goodness, and the linguine wraps around them perfectly. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night but fancy enough for a dinner party. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather all the fantastic ingredients you’ll need for this shrimp scampi recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that mouthwatering dish that you’ll love!
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: I like to use large shrimp for this dish, as they really soak up the flavors and have a nice bite to them. Fresh is best, but frozen shrimp works too—just make sure to thaw them properly!
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: This pasta is perfect for catching that delicious sauce. You can substitute it with spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
- 4 tablespoons butter: This adds richness and a lovely creamy texture to the sauce. I always go for unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the flavors—don’t skimp on this! It also helps to prevent the butter from burning.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star of the show here! Mince it finely to release all those aromatic oils that make your kitchen smell heavenly.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: This gives the dish a subtle kick! Adjust it based on your spice tolerance—don’t be shy if you like it hot!
- 1/4 cup white wine: A splash of white wine not only adds depth of flavor but also helps to deglaze the pan, picking up all those tasty bits.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness right at the end. Make sure to chop it finely for even distribution!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your dish! A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper elevate all the flavors in this wonderful meal.
How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Getting this shrimp scampi recipe on the table is a breeze, so let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
- First, cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside. You want it to be nice and firm, as it will cook a bit more when added to the sauce.
- While the pasta’s cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. This combination is key for a rich flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it brown too much, or it can turn bitter!
- Now it’s time to add the shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. That’s when you know they’re perfectly cooked!
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
- Finally, add your cooked linguine and the fresh parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that heavenly sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates a sauce that’s so delicious, you’ll want to mop up every last bite!
- Versatile: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy date night, this shrimp scampi recipe fits right in, impressing everyone at the table.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein and the goodness of shrimp, it’s a fulfilling meal that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies, and you’ve got a dish that can change with your mood!
Tips for Success with Your Shrimp Scampi Recipe
To make your shrimp scampi recipe truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, always go for fresh shrimp if you can find them—they have a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. For that perfect sauce consistency, don’t rush the cooking time; let the wine simmer a bit to reduce and concentrate those flavors. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste—start small and add more if you want it spicier. And remember, a little extra parsley on top before serving adds a lovely touch of freshness!
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi Recipe
When it comes to serving your shrimp scampi recipe, you’ll want to balance those rich flavors with something fresh and light. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect companion. You can also serve it with crusty garlic bread for soaking up that delicious sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop! If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, consider pairing it with steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach seasoned with lemon and garlic. These sides complement the dish beautifully while keeping it light and satisfying!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig into this delicious shrimp scampi recipe, it’s good to know a bit about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are approximate. For one serving, you can expect around 450 calories, with about 22 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that packs a punch without weighing you down! If you’re watching your intake, feel free to adjust portion sizes or ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
FAQ About Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Got questions about this shrimp scampi recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking to ensure even cooking and great texture.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can use chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice mixed with water for a similar flavor boost.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I recommend making it fresh, as shrimp can become tough if reheated. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance to save time!
What sides pair well with shrimp scampi?
Crusty garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables are perfect companions for this flavorful dish!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftover shrimp scampi? No worries, you can enjoy it again! First, let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to dig in, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat. Just add a splash of water or a bit more olive oil to keep it moist, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they can get tough! If you prefer, you can also pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat, but I find the stovetop method keeps the flavors nice and fresh!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious pasta recipes, visit our blog for more inspiration!
For a delightful dessert to pair with your meal, consider trying our strawberry cheesecake recipe.
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Shrimp Scampi Recipe: 7 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic shrimp scampi recipe that is quick and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add shrimp, cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in white wine, simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add cooked linguine and parsley, toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Pair with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi recipe, easy shrimp recipe, Italian seafood dish