Irresistible Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a dish that dances on your taste buds and invites you to twirl around the kitchen with joy. Picture this: succulent shrimp, perfectly sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce that fills your home with an aroma so enticing it could make neighbors jealous. The moment the noodles hit the pan, you’ll be counting down the seconds until that first bite of sheer seafood bliss.

This dish isn’t just a meal it’s an experience I can still hear my friend Jamie squealing when I first served it at our dinner party. The way her eyes lit up as she slurped on those garlicky noodles, convinced they were made by an Italian grandmother, is a memory I’ll treasure forever. Shrimp Scampi is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests during special occasions, promising flavor explosions and delightful satisfaction.

I still remember the first time I cooked Shrimp Scampi for my family there were gasps of delight as they took their first bites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for optimal texture and flavor try to get wild-caught if possible.
• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works beautifully choose your favorite variety for a personalized touch.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves pack a punch avoid pre-minced options for maximum flavor impact.
• Butter: A good quality unsalted butter adds richness consider using half olive oil to lighten things up.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness chop finely for even distribution throughout the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for those who like a little heat just a pinch can elevate the entire dish

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes don’t let it burn

Add Shrimp: Toss in the fresh shrimp once the garlic is aromatic. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 3-4 minutes per side don’t overcrowd the pan

Create Sauce: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with red pepper flakes if desired. Allow everything to simmer together for another minute while stirring gently.

Toss Pasta: Drain your pasta (reserve some cooking water) and add it directly to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together if needed, add reserved pasta water for creaminess.

Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over your Shrimp Scampi. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for zest

And there you have it a dish that’s as stunning on the table as it is delicious on your plate Enjoy every mouthful of this incredible Shrimp Scampi adventure.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic in butter, then add shrimp until they turn pink. Toss in cooked pasta and finish with lemon juice for zest. This sequence ensures everything blends beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or basil, for added flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

There was that one dinner party where I whipped up Shrimp Scampi on a whim. Friends raved about it all night, and I pretended it took hours to prepare instead of just 20 minutes

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

What type of pasta works best with Shrimp Scampi?

Linguine or spaghetti are perfect choices as they hold the sauce well.

How can I make Shrimp Scampi spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during cooking to give your dish an extra kick

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Shrimp Scampi

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Shrimp Scampi is a delightful seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce, perfect for any occasion. This simple yet elegant recipe features al dente pasta tossed in a flavorful medley of fresh ingredients, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 20 minutes, Shrimp Scampi brings the taste of Italy to your dinner table without the fuss. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this dish promises to impress and satisfy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
3. Add Shrimp: Toss in shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes per side).
4. Create Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes; simmer for 1 minute.
5. Toss Pasta: Drain pasta (reserve some cooking water), add to skillet and toss everything together. Use reserved pasta water for creaminess if needed.
6. Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 190mg