If you’re craving a quick and tasty meal, this Famous Shrimp Scampi recipe is for you. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your home cooking. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create a flavorful shrimp scampi that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
To make Famous Shrimp Scampi, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
These ingredients are simple yet full of flavor. The butter and olive oil give richness, while garlic adds depth. The red pepper flakes bring a little heat, and lemon brightens the whole dish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You can find the Full Recipe above for detailed steps on cooking this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
To cook linguine or spaghetti, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce later.
Preparing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The mix gives a rich flavor. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but not browned.
Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque.
Combining Ingredients
Now, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth, the juice of 1 lemon, and the lemon zest. Stir the mixture well. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely.
Tossing the Dish Together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything to mix well. If the dish seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help you get the right consistency.
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want, you can serve your famous shrimp scampi with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. For the full recipe, check out the main section above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Perfect Shrimp
Perfectly cooked shrimp have a pink color and a firm texture. They curl slightly but do not turn rubbery. Always watch them closely as they cook. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and chewy. To avoid this, cook shrimp only until they are opaque, usually just 2-3 minutes on each side.
Flavor Enhancements
Garlic is key in shrimp scampi. You can try roasted garlic for a sweeter taste. You may also use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available. Fresh herbs add brightness. Basil or thyme can be great choices. Parsley is classic, but you can mix in some chives for a mild onion flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To plate shrimp scampi beautifully, use a large pasta bowl. Arrange the shrimp and pasta in the center. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. Add lemon wedges for a fresh touch. For sides, garlic bread pairs well. A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the dish nicely. Enjoy the Full Recipe to make this delightful meal!
Variations
Seafood Add-Ons
You can easily make your shrimp scampi more special by adding seafood. Scallops and lobster work great. Simply add them in with the shrimp. For a mixed seafood scampi, use a blend of shrimp, scallops, and even crab. The flavors blend well and create a nice twist.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi
To make a creamy version, you will need to change a few ingredients. Add about 1 cup of heavy cream after cooking the shrimp. Mix it in slowly to make it smooth. This will give your dish a rich texture. You might want to reduce the broth a bit to keep it balanced. A creamy shrimp scampi feels indulgent and comforting.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi
Want to add some heat? Adjust the level of spice with red pepper flakes. You can also sprinkle in some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. Start with a little, and then taste. You can always add more if you like it hot. This spicy version gives your dish an exciting kick.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Suggestions
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Enjoy it within three days for the best taste.
Freezing
To freeze shrimp scampi, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Techniques
Reheat shrimp scampi on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. Microwaving is also an option, but it can make the shrimp tough. For the best flavor and texture, the stove is the way to go. You can find the Full Recipe for more tips!
FAQs
How can I make shrimp scampi less spicy?
To make shrimp scampi less spicy, you should adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon instead of one. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for flavor without spice. Another option is to add more lemon juice for a zesty kick without heat.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp may take a minute longer to cook. Keep an eye on them until they turn pink and opaque.
What pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine or spaghetti works best for shrimp scampi. These pasta types hold the sauce well. If you want a change, try fettuccine or bucatini. Both will give a nice twist to this classic dish.
How can I make shrimp scampi gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Options like brown rice or chickpea pasta are great. You can also use zucchini noodles as a fresh alternative. Just cook the shrimp and sauce as usual, then toss with your pasta of choice.
In this post, we explored how to make a delicious shrimp scampi. We covered every ingredient, cooking step, and even some helpful tips. You now have new ideas for variations and know how to store leftovers. Whether you want a creamy version or a spicy kick, this dish is easy to modify. Enjoy creating this meal for friends or family. It’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Get cooking and have fun!
