Did you know you can make the classic Italian shrimp scampi in just 20 minutes? This quick recipe has juicy shrimp in a light garlic butter sauce. It’s mixed with white wine and lemon, served over linguine pasta. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this restaurant-quality dish at home.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Shrimp Scampi recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes
- Recipe calls for 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Dish contains a light garlic butter sauce with white wine and lemon
- Serves 4 people with 599 calories per serving
- Leftover scampi can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian dish. It features tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce. This recipe highlights the shrimp’s natural sweetness, paired with a rich, garlicky sauce. It’s a beloved dish in traditional Italian cuisine.
Origins of the Classic Italian Dish
The term “scampi” comes from a small, lobster-like crustacean in the Mediterranean. Over time, “scampi” has meant shrimp cooked in garlic butter or oil. Shrimp Scampi is a favorite in Italian-American cuisine, rooted in Italy’s culinary traditions.
Key Components of Traditional Scampi
- Shrimp – The star of the dish, usually large or jumbo-sized shrimp.
- Garlic – A generous amount of freshly minced garlic adds robust flavor.
- Butter – Creamy, melted butter creates the rich, luxurious sauce.
- White Wine – Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, provides depth and acidity.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the flavors.
- Parsley – Chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness.
Why This Recipe Works
This shrimp scampi recipe is a hit because it’s simple and quick. Shrimp cook fast, and the garlic butter sauce is easy to make. This makes it a favorite for weeknights. It’s a classic Italian shrimp dish with a garlic butter flavor that’s both elegant and comforting.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Scampi recipe
To make the ultimate shrimp scampi, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with 1 lb of large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined. Pair the shrimp with 3/4 lb of linguine for the perfect pasta base. For the flavorful garlic butter sauce, you’ll need 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of butter, and 1 tbsp of minced garlic.
To balance the rich flavors, add 1/2 cup of dry white wine, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and 3 tbsp of chopped parsley. For an extra kick of heat, you can also include a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the wine and garlic, to elevate the overall taste of your shrimp scampi.
“Shrimp scampi has been a popular Italian dish in the United States since the 1950s, and for good reason – the combination of succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and white wine is simply divine.”
With these essential shrimp scampi ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable garlic butter shrimp scampi dish in under 20 minutes. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to bring this classic white wine shrimp scampi recipe to life.
Selecting and Preparing the Shrimp
The quality and preparation of your fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp are key to a great shrimp scampi. Whether you pick frozen for ease or fresh from the counter, the right steps can make it amazing.
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp
Both fresh shrimp and frozen shrimp can be great in this dish. Choose large shrimp (21-25 per pound) for the best taste and texture. If using frozen, thaw them slowly in the fridge or cold water.
Size and Preparation Guidelines
Go for large or jumbo shrimp, about 16 to 20 count per pound. This size ensures each bite is full of flavor. You can leave the tails on for a fancy look if the shrimp are still in the shell.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
- If the shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, take a few minutes to remove the shells and devein them. This simple step makes the shrimp easier to eat and enhances the overall texture of the dish.
- To devein the shrimp, make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark vein using a small knife or kitchen tweezers.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.
Choosing the right fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp and preparing them well will make your shrimp scampi unforgettable.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce
The secret to a great garlic butter sauce is finding the right mix of flavors and cooking it just right. This sauce is key to the classic shrimp scampi dish. It makes the shrimp taste even better with its creamy, buttery taste.
To make the perfect garlic butter sauce, start by melting 4 tablespoons of Challenge Butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 5 minced garlic cloves. Cook the garlic until it smells great, about 30 seconds, but don’t let it burn.
Then, pour in about 3/4 cup of dry white wine or dry vermouth. Let the sauce simmer until it’s halved. For a creamier sauce, add a bit of heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry.
Season the garlic butter sauce with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for some heat. Finally, add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the garlic-infused butter.
Now that the garlic butter sauce is ready, you’re almost there. Pair it with tender shrimp for a dish that will wow everyone.
“The secret to a great shrimp scampi lies in the perfect balance of the garlic butter sauce. This recipe nails it every time!”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect how to make shrimp scampi is simpler than you think. Begin by making the garlic butter sauce, the heart of this easy shrimp scampi recipe. In a big skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now, it’s time for the main attraction – the shrimp! For this shrimp pasta recipe, you’ll need 1.5 lbs of uncooked extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 90 seconds on each side, until they’re pink and look cooked. Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can get tough.
Final Assembly Tips
After the shrimp are done, it’s time to put everything together. Add 12 oz of cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta cooking water to get the right consistency. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped parsley.
This easy shrimp scampi recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy your tasty shrimp pasta recipe with your favorite sides or a crisp white wine for a delicious Italian dinner.
Wine Pairing and Substitutions
Choosing the right wine is key for a perfect white wine shrimp scampi. Pick a dry white wine you like to drink alone. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay are great choices. They add depth and acidity to the garlic-butter sauce.
Want a shrimp scampi without wine? Use vegetable or chicken broth instead. The broth will still make a tasty sauce for the shrimp.
“The wine in shrimp scampi not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also helps to tenderize the shrimp, creating a truly indulgent experience.”
Remember, the wine’s alcohol content drops by about 40% after 15 minutes of simmering. This means the dish might still have a bit of alcohol. If you’re sensitive to sulfites, note that they become more concentrated during cooking.
For the best taste, pick a wine you enjoy drinking. The garlic, butter, and seafood flavors will blend well with the right white wine. This makes for a delicious shrimp scampi dish.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Shrimp scampi is great with many sides. Try it over linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair. Whole wheat pasta is a healthy choice too. Make sure the pasta is al dente for the best taste.
Pair it with homemade garlic bread or a crusty loaf. These are perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter side, roasted cauliflower or a fresh salad works well. Adding steamed vegetables makes the meal more complete.
Pasta Options
- Linguine
- Spaghetti
- Fettuccine
- Angel hair pasta
- Whole wheat pasta
Bread and Vegetable Pairings
- Homemade garlic bread
- Crusty bread
- Roasted cauliflower
- Fresh salad
- Steamed vegetables
“The beauty of shrimp scampi is that it’s a quick and easy dish that can be elevated with the right side options. From pasta to bread and veggies, the possibilities are endless for creating a satisfying and well-balanced meal.”
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are crucial for leftover shrimp scampi. These steps help keep the dish’s flavor and texture intact. Enjoy your shrimp scampi again with these tips.
To store leftover shrimp scampi, put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. When reheating, use a microwave at 50% power to prevent drying. Add water or leftover broth to keep it moist.
Don’t freeze shrimp scampi. Freezing can make the shrimp rubbery. For the best taste, eat the leftover shrimp pasta within 3-4 days.
- Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, use a microwave at 50% power, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
- Avoid freezing shrimp scampi, as it can alter the texture of the shrimp.
“The key to enjoying leftover shrimp scampi is proper storage and gentle reheating. By following these simple tips, you can savor the rich, garlic-infused flavors even after the initial meal.”
Follow these guidelines to keep your leftover shrimp scampi delicious. Enjoy a quick and tasty meal with your leftovers.
Conclusion
This easy shrimp scampi recipe is a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night. It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests. It combines garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon with tender shrimp and pasta.
It’s easy to make and cooks in just 20 minutes. This makes it a top choice for seafood fans who love Italian cuisine.
The easy shrimp scampi dish is a great example of how versatile seafood can be. It offers a mix of textures and flavors that are sure to please. By following the steps and using quality ingredients, you can make this quick shrimp recipe easily.
This ensures a meal that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or want to impress guests, this recipe is perfect. It brings the rich, delicious flavors of Italy right to your table. Enjoy the meal and feel happy knowing it’s easy to make and incredibly tasty.
F.A.Q
What is shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a tasty Italian dish. It has shrimp, pasta, and a light sauce. The sauce is made with garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon.
What are the key ingredients in this shrimp scampi recipe?
You’ll need 1 lb large shrimp and 3/4 lb linguine. Also, olive oil, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon, and parsley are key.
Should I use fresh or frozen shrimp?
You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are large and of high quality. If frozen, defrost them properly.
How do I clean and prepare the shrimp?
Buy peeled and deveined shrimp for easier prep. If not, remove shells and devein by cutting along the back and removing the dark vein.
What type of wine should I use for the sauce?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Pick one you like to drink.
Can I make this shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes, you can use vegetable or chicken broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
What sides or pastas pair well with shrimp scampi?
Serve it over linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta. Pair with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies.
How long does leftover shrimp scampi last?
Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave to keep the shrimp moist.
