Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Zesty Garlic Butter Magic

Culinary magic happens when succulent shrimp scampi dances across your dinner plate with Mediterranean-inspired flair.

Garlic and butter create an irresistible symphony of flavors that whispers comfort.

Coastal ingredients mingle effortlessly in this classic dish, promising a quick and elegant meal.

Salt and lemon add bright, zesty notes that complement the delicate seafood perfectly.

Mediterranean techniques transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience you’ll want to savor.

Tender shrimp nestled in a silky sauce beckon with promises of delectable memories.

This recipe invites you to explore a world of effortless elegance on your plate.

What You’ll Need For Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes

• Linguine or Spaghetti: The base pasta that provides a delightful foundation for the shrimp scampi.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that brings a succulent and tender protein to the dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth and a subtle kick of heat to the overall flavor profile.
• White Wine or Chicken Broth: Provides a complex liquid component that helps build the sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Offers a bright, citrusy freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant green color to the final presentation.

Step By Step For Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into the water and cook according to package directions. Once done, carefully drain pasta but save one cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside in a colander.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Place the same pot back on the stove over medium heat. Melt butter until it starts to shimmer. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté quickly for about 30 seconds, releasing fragrant aromas without burning the garlic.

Step 3: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Add shrimp to the buttery pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become opaque throughout.

Step 4: Develop Rich Sauce

Pour in white wine or chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce for approximately 2 minutes, blending flavors together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Seafood

Return drained pasta to the pot with shrimp and sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring pasta gets completely coated. If mixture seems dry, slowly add reserved pasta water until reaching desired consistency.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Lemon zest
• Fresh chopped parsley

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer shrimp scampi to serving plates. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delectable meal!

Best Tricks For Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to create a silky, perfectly-coated sauce that helps ingredients cling together seamlessly.
• Quick Shrimp Perfection: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring tender and juicy seafood every time.
• Wine Swap Trick: Substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock for a non-alcoholic version without losing depth of flavor.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Use freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest right before serving to elevate the dish's brightness and aromatic profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.

Tasty Variations Of Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes

• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Replace parsley with fresh basil and oregano, add cherry tomatoes, and use feta cheese as a topping for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Scampi: Swap white wine with dark beer, add Cajun seasoning, include bell peppers, and use andouille sausage for extra heat and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, use gluten-free white wine or broth, perfect for low-carb and celiac diets.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Shrimp: Replace butter with coconut oil, add coconut milk instead of white wine, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical transformation.

What Pairs Well With Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon and garlic notes in the shrimp scampi.
• Create Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the delicious buttery sauce and add textural contrast.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the shrimp and provide a refreshing side dish.
• Elevate with Herbed Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top to boost the herb flavor and add a bright, green visual appeal to the plate.

How To Store Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes The Right Way

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is shallow to help cool the dish quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm the pasta and shrimp in the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
• Warm the scampi in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking or burning.

FAQ Guide For Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes

• What type of wine works best for shrimp scampi?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds the perfect light, crisp flavor to the dish without overpowering the shrimp.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• Is shrimp scampi considered a healthy meal?

Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, making it a relatively healthy option. The dish can be lightened by using less butter or substituting olive oil.

Why Quick And Easy Shrimp Scampi In 20 Minutes Is Always A Favorite

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Perfect for busy cooks wanting a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps or endless preparation time.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty lemon, garlic, and succulent shrimp that delivers bold tastes with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable recipe works beautifully for casual family dinners, romantic date nights, or impromptu gatherings with friends, making it a go-to meal for multiple occasions.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single pot for cooking pasta, creating sauce, and combining ingredients, reducing dish washing and saving precious evening time.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean-style shrimp scampi dances with garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs, creating a luxurious coastal dining experience. Effortless preparation promises restaurant-quality elegance that will transport you straight to an Italian seaside taverna.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) linguine or spaghetti

Flavoring and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Lemon slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
3. Introduce peeled shrimp to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for the shrimp to turn pink and develop a slight curl.
4. Pour white wine or chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the pot. Deglaze by scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for 2 minutes.
5. Reintroduce the drained pasta to the pot, tossing thoroughly to coat with the sauce. If the mixture appears dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until achieving a glossy, light coating.
6. Incorporate lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley, stirring to distribute evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the shrimp scampi to serving plates. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Quickly pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent watery sauce.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity and avoid pre-minced varieties that lack depth.
• Choose medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and most appealing texture in the dish.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for low-carb version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg