Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Shrimp Scampi, a classic dish that brings a taste of the coast right to your dinner table. This easy-to-follow recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi:

• For the best flavor, choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they won’t absorb the flavors of the sauce.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking; more garlic will enhance the flavor even further!
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a restaurant-quality meal right at home. With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner with family. Try this recipe tonight and savor every bite of this flavorful seafood dish!