This easy shrimp scampi recipe is a quick and delightful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The succulent shrimp cooked in garlicky butter and white wine sauce, tossed with linguine, provides a flavor experience that is simply irresistible.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe such as shrimp, olive oil, butter, garlic, and parsley are readily available in most households. However, ensure to use 'extra large shrimp' for the best texture and 'dry white wine' for a rich, flavorful sauce. If you can't find fresh parsley, dried version can work as a substitute.
Easy Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
Linguine: A type of pasta that pairs beautifully with seafood dishes.
Extra large shrimp: The star of this dish, providing a succulent, meaty bite.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a depth of flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy, rich taste to the dish.
Garlic: Gives a pleasant garlicky flavor.
Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds a sophisticated richness to the sauce.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat to the dish.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavors with its acidity.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note to the dish.
One reader, Elita Thurston says:
This easy shrimp scampi recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and the dish comes together effortlessly. The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates a delightful sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and linguine. It's a must-try for any seafood lover!
Key Techniques for Making Perfect Shrimp Scampi
How to cook linguine: Cook linguine according to package instructions, typically boiling in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
How to sauté garlic: In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden, being careful not to brown it.
How to simmer wine: After adding wine to the skillet, simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until it is reduced by half.
How to cook shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in an even layer and cook for about 1½ to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
How to toss shrimp and sauce with pasta: After cooking the shrimp, stir in lemon juice and parsley, then toss the shrimp and sauce with the cooked linguine. Serve immediately.
How To Make Simple Shrimp Scampi
Made with dry white wine, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice, level up your dinner dish with this easy shrimp scampi recipe for a filling pasta meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozlinguine
- 1½lbsextra large shrimp,peeled and deviened
- 3tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 3tbspunsalted butter
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- ½cupdry white wine
- salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- ⅛tspred pepper flakes,optional
- 2tbspfresh lemon juice
- ¼cupfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
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Cook linguine according to package instructions.
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Meanwhile, melt butter with olive oil in a 12-inch skillet just over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for 1 to 2 minutes until just lightly golden. Don’t brown or it can taste bitter.
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Add wine and simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by half.
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Add in shrimp in an even layer season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1½ to 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink.
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Stir in lemon juice and a parsley then toss shrimp and sauce with pasta. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 509.00kcal
- Fat: 17.49g
- Saturated Fat: 6.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.30g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.92g
- Carbohydrates: 54.57g
- Fiber: 2.54g
- Sugar: 2.26g
- Protein: 27.83g
- Cholesterol: 189.78mg
- Sodium: 778.88mg
- Calcium: 104.27mg
- Potassium: 367.40mg
- Iron: 1.59mg
- Vitamin A: 144.85µg
- Vitamin C: 7.11mg
Expert Advice: Mastering the Art of Shrimp Scampi
When cooking the shrimp, it's important to not overcook them as they can become tough and chewy. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 1½ to 2 minutes per side. You'll know they're done when they turn a pink color. Also, adding the lemon juice at the end helps to brighten the flavors and adds a nice acidity to balance out the richness of the butter and olive oil.
Time-Saving Tips for Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and devein shrimp in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Consider using the same pot to cook the pasta and the shrimp to minimize clean-up time.
Quick thaw: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes.
Efficient multitasking: While the pasta is cooking, start preparing the shrimp and sauce to save time.
Fresh and frozen: Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, or opt for high-quality frozen shrimp for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Keep it simple: Stick to the basic ingredients and steps to make the process quicker and easier.
Substitute Ingredients For Simple Shrimp Scampi Recipe
linguine - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta, providing a similar texture and mild flavor.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for sautéing the shrimp and garlic.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee, or clarified butter, can be used as a lactose-free alternative with a rich, nutty flavor.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Broth can add depth of flavor without the alcohol content, making it a suitable non-alcoholic substitute.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a mild heat and color to the dish without the intense spiciness of red pepper flakes.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can add a fragrant, herbaceous note to the dish, complementing the flavors of the shrimp scampi.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Shrimp Scampi Dish
Elevate the pasta: Arrange the cooked linguine in a neat, twirled mound on the plate to create a visually appealing base for the shrimp scampi.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp scampi to add a pop of vibrant green color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate a touch of citrus: Place a thinly sliced lemon wheel on the side of the plate as a decorative element, adding a hint of brightness to the overall presentation.
Create a symmetrical layout: Position the shrimp evenly around the linguine, ensuring a balanced and visually appealing arrangement on the plate.
Utilize white space: Allow the natural color of the dish to shine through by leaving some areas of the plate uncovered, creating a clean and sophisticated presentation.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a final touch of richness to the presentation.
Consider the plate shape: Select a round or oval plate to complement the circular arrangement of the linguine and shrimp, creating a harmonious visual effect.
Emphasize the shrimp: Place a few whole shrimp on top of the linguine to showcase the star ingredient and create an eye-catching focal point on the plate.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Scampi
- Linguine: A type of pasta that is long and flat, similar to fettuccine.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves and extract the pulp.
- Pasta pot: A large pot with a strainer insert specifically designed for cooking pasta.
- Lemon squeezer: A handheld tool used to extract juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting food items.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for cooking and baking.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
Storing and Freezing Shrimp Scampi for Later
- Storing leftovers: allow the shrimp scampi to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: while it's best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
- To freeze the shrimp: arrange the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- To freeze the sauce: allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing.
- Reheating: thaw the frozen shrimp and sauce in the refrigerator overnight.
- In a skillet, reheat the sauce over medium heat until simmering. Add the thawed shrimp and cook until heated through.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then toss with the reheated shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How To Reheat Shrimp Scampi Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover shrimp scampi is to use a skillet on the stove. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in the pan over medium heat, then add the leftover pasta and shrimp. Toss the ingredients gently until they are heated through, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery if reheated for too long.
Another option is to use the microwave, although this method may result in slightly softer pasta and shrimp. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or white wine to help keep the pasta moist. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the shrimp scampi is heated through.
If you have a bit more time, you can reheat the shrimp scampi in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta and shrimp are heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the top of the dish to crisp up slightly.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving to brighten up the flavors and give the dish a fresh taste.
Interesting Trivia About Shrimp Scampi
The shrimp scampi recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created by Italian immigrants in the United States, particularly in the Italian-American communities of New York and San Francisco. The dish is known for its simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, butter, and white wine, which perfectly complements the succulent shrimp. Shrimp scampi is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a delicious appetizer. It is a popular choice for seafood lovers and is often enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta.
Budget-Friendly: Is Homemade Shrimp Scampi Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this shrimp scampi recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Shrimp and linguine can be moderately expensive, but the dish's overall cost can be balanced by using affordable pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, and butter. The addition of lemon and parsley enhances the flavors without significantly increasing the cost. Considering the potential nutritional benefits and the delightful dining experience it offers, this recipe deserves a solid 8/10 rating. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $30-$35.
Is Shrimp Scampi Healthy or Unhealthy?
The easy shrimp scampi recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The dish is high in saturated fat from the butter and olive oil
- White wine adds extra calories and sugar to the dish
- Linguine is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes
- The recipe lacks vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as:
- Shrimp, which is a lean protein source and provides essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids
- Garlic, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
- Lemon juice, which is a good source of vitamin C and helps balance the flavors
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the linguine with zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta to increase fiber and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of butter and olive oil used, or substitute them with healthier alternatives like avocado oil or ghee
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers, to increase nutrient density and fiber content
- Use a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of white wine to reduce calories and sugar content
- Increase the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to boost flavor without adding extra calories
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of the easy shrimp scampi recipe that still satisfies your taste buds while providing a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Opinion: Why This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Stands Out
This easy shrimp scampi recipe is a classic and delicious dish that is sure to impress. The combination of garlic, white wine, and lemon juice creates a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender shrimp and linguine. The recipe is simple to follow and yields impressive results, making it a great option for a quick and elegant meal. The balance of flavors and the freshness of the parsley elevate the dish, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Enhance Your Simple Shrimp Scampi Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Shrimp Scampi
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas for a Complete Shrimp Scampi Meal
Why trust this Simple Shrimp Scampi Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The succulent extra large shrimp are cooked to tender perfection, while the combination of garlic, butter, and dry white wine creates a rich and aromatic sauce. The addition of fresh lemon juice imparts a refreshing zing, complementing the dish's savory elements. Furthermore, the use of extra virgin olive oil ensures a light and delicate finish. With the careful incorporation of fresh parsley, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of ingredients that will undoubtedly elevate your culinary repertoire.
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