Classic Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a beloved dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your guests.

This dish is typically made with shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter, often with the addition of white wine and herbs like parsley and oregano. The sauce is typically served over pasta, but it can also be enjoyed with crusty bread for dipping.

Here’s a relaxed guide to making shrimp scampi at home:

What You’ll Need:

Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced

White wine: 1/4 cup of dry white wine

Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

Oregano: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper: to taste

Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Make the scampi sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Add the wine: Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the alcohol has evaporated.

5. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.

6. Finish the sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Combine the shrimp and pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the scampi sauce.

8. Serve immediately: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your shrimp will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Look for fresh, wild-caught shrimp if possible.

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque.

Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier scampi, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Add vegetables: For a more complete meal, add some chopped vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices.

Serve with bread: Crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.

Make it ahead of time: The scampi sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Reheat gently over low heat before adding the shrimp.

Why Shrimp Scampi is So Popular:

Easy to make: Shrimp scampi is a relatively simple dish to prepare, even for novice cooks.

Quick to cook: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight meal.

Versatile: Shrimp scampi can be adapted to suit your own personal preferences. You can add different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Elegant and impressive: Despite its simplicity, shrimp scampi is a dish that looks and tastes impressive. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or treating yourself to a special meal.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.

What kind of pasta should I use? Spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine are all good choices for shrimp scampi.

Can I substitute white wine? If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley? You can use dried parsley, but use half the amount called for in the recipe.

Conclusion

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that is both delicious and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, give shrimp scampi a try. You won’t be disappointed!