Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Imagine a dish that brings the essence of the seaside right to your kitchen – that’s what this shrimp scampi is all about. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by a splash of white wine, making it a delightful choice for a family dinner or an intimate gathering. Whether you serve it over pasta or alongside crusty bread, this recipe is bound to please seafood lovers.
What’s even better? This shrimp scampi comes together in just under 30 minutes, meaning you can whip up a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something special without the hassle. Plus, the aroma of garlic and butter sizzling away will have everyone excited for dinner.
This dish is not only quick but also incredibly delicious. The combination of buttery garlic sauce and tender shrimp creates a taste that’s both savory and slightly tangy from the wine. It’s a symphony of flavors that you’ll want to savor with every bite.
Enticing Ingredients
The foundation of garlic butter shrimp scampi lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. At the heart of this dish are large shrimp, peeled and deveined, which provide a succulent base. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy garlic butter sauce.
Accompanying the shrimp, fresh garlic is minced to release a robust aroma, while dry white wine contributes a hint of acidity that balances the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice brings brightness, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cooking the Pasta
For this dish, linguine is traditionally used, but you can opt for spaghetti or your favorite pasta type. Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook until al dente, as per package instructions. Draining the pasta allows you to retain a bit of the cooking water, which can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Setting the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp ensures that everything comes together seamlessly. You want the noodles to stay warm, ready to soak up all the flavors from the garlic butter sauce.
Sautéing the Shrimp
In a generous skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. This is where the magic begins. As the butter melts, add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, releasing an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking. They will turn from a translucent gray to a delightful pink and opaque in just a few minutes. This quick cooking process helps to preserve their tender texture and natural juices.
Building the Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to elevate the dish with your sauce. Pour in the dry white wine along with the lemon juice and zest. The acidic notes from the wine and lemon complement the buttery richness beautifully.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and if you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors marry and the liquid reduce slightly for a more concentrated taste.
Combining and Serving
As the sauce simmers, return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are thoroughly coated in the rich garlic butter sauce. This step is crucial, as it allows each strand of pasta to absorb the flavors of the dish.
Once heated through, serve the shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and include a lemon wedge on the side for those who enjoy an extra zing.
Creating the Dining Experience
The presentation of garlic butter shrimp scampi is as inviting as its flavor. Serve it on a rustic wooden table to enhance the cozy ambiance of your meal. Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, matching the dish, to create an elegant dining experience.
This dish not only pleases the palate but also becomes a centerpiece that encourages conversation and enjoyment. Set the scene with soft lighting and perhaps some light music in the background to elevate the overall experience.
Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a luscious garlic butter and white wine sauce. The dish is brightened with a hint of lemon and finished with fresh parsley, offering a taste that is both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add Wine and Seasoning: Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
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