Description
Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine. The shrimp are sautéed until tender and perfectly seasoned, then tossed in a savory sauce made from melted butter, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a mild heat, while fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness. Typically served over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, Shrimp Scampi is a quick, elegant dish that’s full of bright, savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for an extra lemony flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth (for the sauce, ensuring it’s Halal)
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp provides a delicate texture and naturally sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich, garlicky sauce.
- Garlic: Garlic is essential to this recipe, giving the sauce its signature flavor that makes Shrimp Scampi so irresistible.
- Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil creates a silky sauce that enhances the flavors of the shrimp and garlic.
- Lemon: Lemon adds a refreshing tang to the sauce, cutting through the richness of the butter and brightening up the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Parsley brings a burst of color and freshness to the dish, as well as a mild herbal note that complements the garlic and lemon.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Shrimp Scampi:
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp Scampi:
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Broth and Lemon: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the skillet, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Stir the sauce, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Toss the Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp and pasta are well coated in the buttery garlic sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
Final Touches:
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Divide the Shrimp Scampi among serving plates, and garnish with additional parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g