Shrimp Scampi: Restaurant-Quality at Home
Imagine plump, succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic-butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. This Shrimp Scampi offers a symphony of savory flavors, brightened by hints of lemon and white wine. A restaurant-worthy meal that's surprisingly simple to create at home, it's perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an elegant, effortless gathering. The simplicity of this dish belies its incredible flavor.
This Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste and elegance without the restaurant-quality hassle. The key is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and mastering a few simple cooking techniques. The shrimp are cooked just until they are perfectly pink and tender, and the garlic-butter sauce is rich and flavorful, with a bright, lemony finish. It’s a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a delicious weeknight meal. The beautiful balance of flavors makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
Effortless Elegance: A Simple Symphony of Flavors
This Shrimp Scampi recipe proves that elegant meals don't have to be complicated. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the cooking process is straightforward and quick. Yet the result is a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing. The focus is on letting the natural flavors of the shrimp and garlic shine through, with the lemon and white wine adding bright, complementary notes. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more formal gathering. The simplicity of the preparation allows you to focus on enjoying the delicious results.
Recipe: Shrimp Scampi
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup (7g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until sauce has reduced slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low and whisk in butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until melted and sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in lemon juice.
- Combine: Add drained pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce. Add a little pasta water if needed to create a creamier sauce. Stir in parsley.
- Serve: Divide shrimp scampi among bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Expert Tips & Variations:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.
- Add other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or asparagus.
- Substitute the white wine with more chicken broth if desired.
- Add a squeeze of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approximately 550 calories, 40g protein, 60g carbohydrates, 20g fat. (This is an estimate, excluding optional Parmesan cheese).
Serving Suggestion:
Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread would also be a great addition for soaking up the sauce.
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This Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and share your culinary creations with us! Share your photos on social media using #shrimpscampi. For more delicious and inspiring recipes, visit our website: https://flavortrailrecipes.blogspot.com/