– **Title**: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Begin by cooking the pasta. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. If using, stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted, then add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine and adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a sauce.
7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and toss to combine.
8. Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp not only look impressive but also cook evenly. For a budget-friendly option, try using frozen shrimp. Just thaw them in cold water before cooking!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. If you need a dairy-free version, olive oil is a great substitute that still adds flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but start with a small amount as it’s more concentrated.
White Wine: A dry white wine enhances the dish’s flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works well and keeps it savory.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of vinegar can also add acidity, but it won’t have the same fresh taste.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since it only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat. This helps prevent sticking.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
- Cook them about 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Keep an eye on them! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so take them off the heat as soon as they’re cooked.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti) for serving
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying this meal in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impress-your-friends dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until it’s melted. Add the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. SautĂ© for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as you want that lovely, mild garlic flavor!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with some salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, which means they are perfectly cooked!
3. Make the Sauce:
Once your shrimp are cooked, pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth), along with the lemon juice and zest. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will help it reduce a bit and concentrate all those yummy flavors.
4. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor! Now, serve your garlic butter shrimp scampi over the cooked pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with some lemon slices and a sprinkle of extra parsley if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or by quickly running them under cold water in a sealed bag. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth is a great substitute! It adds a rich flavor, and you can still get the acidity by adding a splash of vinegar or an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can become tough.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in the skillet, then add the cooked shrimp and pasta to warm through. This way, you keep the shrimp tender and juicy!
