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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley, stirring to distribute evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- 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