The aroma of sizzling garlic and fresh herbs wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. When you whip up a batch of shrimp scampi, you’re not just cooking you’re creating an experience that elevates any meal into a celebration. Imagine succulent shrimp bathing in buttery goodness, kissed by zesty lemon and paired with perfectly al dente pasta. You can practically hear the angels singing as you plate this dish.

I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi for my family. My brother took one bite, paused dramatically, and proclaimed it “the best thing since sliced bread.” From that moment on, it became our go-to dish for celebrations and casual gatherings alike. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy date night, shrimp scampi never fails to impress.

I once prepared shrimp scampi for a dinner party that left my friends buzzing about it for weeks.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp they hold up beautifully in the sauce and deliver a satisfying bite.
• Garlic: Use fresh cloves to infuse your dish with aromatic flavor avoid pre-minced varieties if possible.
• Butter: A generous amount gives the sauce its signature richness don’t skimp on this hero ingredient.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness chop it finely for even distribution.
• Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works wonderfully here be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
• White Wine: A dry white wine enhances the depth of flavor choose one you’d enjoy drinking too
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, these add just the right amount of zing without overwhelming the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente usually about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of your butter until bubbling. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant about 1 minute will do.

Add the Shrimp: Place fresh shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque this is when they start to smell divine

Pour in Wine & Lemon Juice: Deglaze your pan by adding white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly reduced this creates an amazing sauce base.

Finish with Butter & Parsley: Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining butter until melted. Add chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for that extra kick mix well

Combine with Pasta: Drain your cooked pasta (reserve some pasta water) and toss it into the skillet with shrimp. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency serve warm with more parsley on top

Now you have a sensational shrimp scampi that will surely earn you rave reviews Enjoy every bite as you indulge in this flavorful masterpiece it’s simply irresistible

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first it saves time. Sear the shrimp in garlic butter until golden, then combine everything for a harmonious dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the linguine for spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Cooking shrimp scampi always reminds me of a dinner party where my friends declared me a culinary genius just because I nailed this recipe

FAQ

What type of shrimp is best for shrimp scampi?

Fresh, large shrimp are ideal for this dish due to their juicy texture and flavor.

Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead but add shrimp just before serving to maintain freshness.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when perfectly cooked avoid overcooking for best results.

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Shrimp Scampi

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of shrimp scampi, a dish that transforms any meal into a culinary celebration. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, brightened with zesty lemon and herbs, all served over perfectly cooked pasta. In just under 30 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this gourmet dish that’s sure to earn rave reviews.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Create sauce: Pour in white wine and lemon juice; simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Finish the dish: Reduce heat to low, stir in remaining butter, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Toss with cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Serve warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg