Introduction
Transform humble shrimp into a restaurant-quality meal with this easy shrimp scampi recipe! It’s quicker than takeout and tastes way better. Get ready for a burst of garlicky, buttery goodness that the whole family will adore. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight and requires minimal cleanup – bonus!
Why This Works
This shrimp scampi recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The garlic and butter create a rich sauce that perfectly coats the succulent shrimp, and it’s all ready in under 20 minutes! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both impressive and easy.
Key Ingredients
- 🍤 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍋 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth works too!)
- 🍋 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 🍝 1/2 pound linguine or spaghetti
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4️⃣ Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5️⃣ Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. If not using wine, skip this step.
6️⃣ Stir in Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7️⃣ Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8️⃣ Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while it’s sautéing.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key here. Too high, and the garlic will burn before the shrimp cooks through. Too low, and the shrimp will become tough. Keep a close eye on the garlic and adjust the heat as needed.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe isn’t about crunch, the slight crispness of the sauteed garlic adds a nice textural contrast to the tender shrimp and pasta.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use clarified butter instead of regular butter.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for extra zing!
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick.
Storage Tips
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish makes a fantastic gift! Package individual portions in attractive containers with a sprig of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Increase the lemon juice to 3 tablespoons for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
🌟 Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
🌟 Shrimp Scampi with Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the skillet along with the parsley for extra greens.
Troubleshooting
- Shrimp is overcooked and rubbery: Reduce the cooking time and use lower heat.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- Garlic is burnt: Reduce heat immediately.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What kind of pasta works best? Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices, but you can use any pasta you like.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook the shrimp and pasta just before serving.
- What if I don’t have white wine? Chicken broth is a great substitute.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach would be delicious additions.
Conclusion
This Simple Shrimp Scampi recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with us on RateMyRecipes! Enjoy!
Shrimp Scampi So Easy, Even Kids Can Help!
A simple and delicious shrimp scampi recipe that kids can help prepare, featuring juicy shrimp and a buttery garlic sauce over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautu00e9 for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Make sure the shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen shrimp before cooking.
- Let kids help by measuring ingredients and stirring the pasta!