There’s something magical about the aroma of shrimp scampi wafting through your kitchen, like a culinary hug that wraps you in warmth and comfort. The enticing scent of garlic mingling with butter and fresh herbs creates an atmosphere that promises deliciousness with every bite. Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp glistening in a pool of garlicky goodness, inviting you to dive right in.
Every time I whip up shrimp scampi, it transports me back to family gatherings where laughter echoed around the table, and plates were piled high with this delightful dish. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy Friday night after work. Trust me, this flavor experience will leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp scampi is not only incredibly quick to prepare but also bursting with rich flavors
- Its vibrant presentation makes it a showstopper at dinner parties
- You can easily adapt the recipe to suit various dietary preferences while maintaining its classic taste
- Plus, it’s a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from date nights to casual family dinners
Cooking shrimp scampi has always left my friends in awe they can’t believe something so delicious can be made in under 30 minutes
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled shrimp they cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that irresistible aroma minced or sliced works well.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over flavor it’s the key to a rich sauce.
- Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil enhances richness while preventing burning.
- White Wine: Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc it adds acidity and depth.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances flavors perfectly.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness chop it finely for even distribution.
- Pasta (optional): Spaghetti or linguine pairs wonderfully with shrimp scampi cook until al dente.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and prep them Peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and chop parsley finely. This makes cooking smoother.
Start Cooking the Pasta (if using): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente perfectly tender yet firm.
Sauté Garlic & Shrimp: In a large skillet, combine olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add Shrimp & Wine: Toss in the shrimp so they form a single layer in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Pour in white wine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Finish with Lemon & Parsley: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet, then sprinkle in chopped parsley. Stir everything together until well combined, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
Toss with Pasta (if using): Drain pasta if needed and add it directly to the skillet with shrimp scampi. Toss gently to coat evenly, ensuring each strand gets drenched in that garlicky goodness.
Now you have an incredible shrimp scampi ready to serve Perfectly cooked shrimp enveloped in buttery sauce awaits your eager taste buds. Enjoy this timeless dish that guarantees smiles around your dinner table
You Must Know
- Shrimp scampi is a delightful dish that impresses with its rich flavors
- The aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen will make anyone’s mouth water
- Pair it with crusty bread to savor every drop of that delicious sauce
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta first. While it boils, prepare the shrimp and sauce, ensuring everything is ready to enjoy right away.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for scallops or add some vegetables like asparagus for added color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor frozen can work but requires careful thawing
- A splash of white wine elevates the dish and adds depth
- Don’t forget to taste as you go seasoning makes all the difference
Cooking shrimp scampi brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last bite. My sister once sneaked in extra garlic, turning it into an aromatic masterpiece
FAQ
What kind of shrimp should I use for shrimp scampi?
Use large, fresh shrimp for better texture and flavor frozen works too if thawed properly.
Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare ingredients in advance for quicker cooking.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Pair it with garlic bread, salad, or a light white wine for an excellent meal experience.
Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish that captivates with its fragrant blend of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe brings perfectly cooked shrimp to life in a rich, garlicky sauce, making it an ideal choice for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. In under 30 minutes, you can create a meal that is not only satisfying but also impressive enough to wow your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large, peeled shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: peel and devein shrimp, mince garlic, and chop parsley.
- Cook the pasta (if using) in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in a single layer; cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink.
- Pour in white wine and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley until well combined.
- If using pasta, toss it gently with the shrimp mixture to coat evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
