This shrimp scampi is a tasty treat! It features juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and butter, tossed with pasta and a sprinkle of lemon for a fresh zing. Yum!
Honestly, I love the way the garlic fills the kitchen—it’s like a warm hug! Serve it with a side of crusty bread and you’re all set for a delightful meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or angel hair are great choices here. If you’re gluten-sensitive, try gluten-free pasta varieties or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works wonderfully too! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results. If you’re not a seafood fan, cooked chicken or sautéed veggies can also substitute well.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the dish’s overall saltiness. You could use olive oil instead for a healthier choice. Ghee is also a good alternative if you want a butter-like flavor without the dairy.
White Wine: For cooking, dry white wine adds depth, but chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic swap. If neither is available, a splash of lemon juice with a little extra water can do the trick.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creaminess, but you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream for a lighter or dairy-free version. Coconut cream also adds a unique flavor but be cautious with quantities.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp just right is key to a delicious scampi. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so keep an eye on the timing.
- Heat your skillet adequately before adding shrimp. Too low heat means longer cook time.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for them turning pink; that’s your cue they are ready!
- Remove shrimp from the pan as soon as they’re cooked to your liking to prevent carryover cooking.
How Do You Make the Sauce Flavorful?
The sauce is the heart of this dish! To make it truly stand out, focus on the sautéing process.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned—this will keep the flavor bright and fresh.
- When deglazing the pan with wine, scrape the bottom to lift those tasty bits—this adds great depth to your sauce!
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently to thicken before tossing in your pasta and shrimp. This step binds everything together perfectly.
Enjoy making your shrimp scampi! It’s quick and impressive, making it perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Extras:
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp scampi recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prep and cook the shrimp and pasta, and the rest of the time will be for making the delicious sauce and combining everything! Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat) and sauté for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it—it should smell fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to add the shrimp! Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, then cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside—don’t worry, they’ll join the mix again soon!
4. Create the Sauce:
In the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. Next, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan. Be sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom! Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and the fresh lemon juice. Let this combination simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens up a bit. This is where the magic happens!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Give everything a good toss to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well-coated in that creamy, delicious sauce.
7. Serve:
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget the crusty bread on the side to scoop up all that yummy sauce!
Enjoy your incredible shrimp scampi, bursting with flavor and a lovely lemon zing!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can quickly defrost shrimp by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Scampi?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute. You can also use vegetable broth or a mixture of lemon juice and water for a non-alcoholic option.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance or toss in some diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic. You could also finish the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!
