There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked shrimp scampi. Whether it’s gathering around the table on a busy weeknight or treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe is for everyone who loves the delicate flavors of seafood combined with the richness of butter and garlic.
I remember the first time I had shrimp scampi at a quaint seaside cafe. The flavors were so vibrant and fresh, it felt like the ocean was singing on my taste buds. This inspired me to recreate that experience at home. It’s a straightforward dish, but it’s packed with flavor, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is delightfully simple to follow.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Start by preparing your ingredients: peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Set them aside.
Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Saute for a minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, bringing it to a simmer. Let it reduce by half. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Final words
This classic shrimp scampi recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a mouthwatering dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at your next gathering. Thank you for following along, and I hope you enjoy making this delightful seafood pasta as much as I do. Don’t forget to explore other recipes on my site for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!
Tags
shrimp scampi recipe, seafood pasta, easy dinner ideas