Hello, seafood lovers! If you’re searching for a dish that’s both luxurious and simple to prepare, look no further than this Shrimp Scampi recipe. Combining tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful buttery garlic sauce over pasta, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s explore how you can make this restaurant-quality dish at home with ease.
Introduction
Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that never fails to impress. With roots in Italian-American cuisine, this dish highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp, enhanced with garlic, lemon, and a hint of wine. What makes it truly special is its versatility—it’s elegant enough for entertaining guests but simple enough for a quick family meal. Paired with asparagus and grape tomatoes, this version adds a burst of freshness and color to the traditional recipe, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Shrimp Scampi, gather the following:
- Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 1 lb. large shrimp, shelled and deveined
- Cooking Fats
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Vegetables
- 1/4 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch segments
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2/3 cup sliced grape tomatoes
- Flavor Enhancers
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (see notes for substitutions)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
This list blends simplicity with sophistication, ensuring a balanced and flavorful dish.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Follow these steps to make a perfect Shrimp Scampi every time:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain well and set aside. Angel hair pasta is ideal for absorbing the sauce while maintaining a light texture.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp to a plate, cover them to keep warm, and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the asparagus and cook until it is crisp-tender, stirring frequently—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, making sure not to let the garlic burn. Then, add the sliced grape tomatoes and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring several times.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and let it cook for about 1 minute, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors. This step enhances the dish with a touch of acidity and depth.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Warm the mixture for less than a minute, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final step ensures the shrimp and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked pasta on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the shrimp and vegetable mixture over the pasta, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Helpful Tips
- Choose High-Quality Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh or frozen large shrimp. Make sure they are properly deveined and shelled before cooking.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
- Cooking Shrimp Perfectly: Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can become rubbery. They should turn pink and opaque but remain tender.
- Customizing the Vegetables: Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the dish for added variety.
Cooking Tips
- Balancing the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. The starch from the pasta water will also help the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Butter and Oil Blend: The combination of butter and olive oil ensures the sauce is rich but not overly heavy, allowing the flavors to shine.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a mild dish, omit them entirely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp Scampi immediately while it’s hot and fragrant. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. For a special touch, serve with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for this dish:
- Calories: 460
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and nutrients.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.
Leftovers can also be transformed into a delightful seafood stir-fry by adding additional vegetables and reheating with a touch of soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have asparagus?
You can substitute green beans or broccoli florets for a similar texture and freshness.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes with similar flavors.
Related Recipes
If you love this dish, you might enjoy these recipes too:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
- Creamy Garlic Seafood Alfredo
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Skillet
Conclusion
Simple, Elegant, and Easy Shrimp Scampi combines the best of flavors and textures in one stunning dish. With tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s a meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a fancy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and let us know how it turned out!