Classic Italian Shrimp Scampi: A Seafood Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 lb. spaghetti, cooked al dente

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add the chicken broth, white wine, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer until it has reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir it until it has melted into the sauce.
  7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Stir everything together to ensure that the shrimp are well coated in the sauce.
  8. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it with the shrimp and sauce until everything is well combined.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the shrimp scampi immediately.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet will be needed to cook the shrimp and prepare the sauce.
  • Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon or spatula will be used to stir the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Garlic press - A garlic press will help mince the garlic cloves for the recipe.
  • Pot - A pot will be needed to cook the spaghetti until al dente.
  • Colander - A colander will be used to drain the cooked spaghetti.
  • Tongs - Tongs will be useful for flipping and removing the shrimp from the skillet.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to accurately measure the amounts of crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and parsley.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of seafood, such as scallops or lobster, instead of shrimp
  • Add additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish
  • Replace the spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or another type of pasta
  • Make it spicy by increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Add a splash of white wine vinegar for a tangy twist
  • For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese or sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for extra texture
  • Include some sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and substituting with tofu or extra vegetables

Recipe overview

Indulge in the flavors of the Italian coast with this classic Shrimp Scampi recipe. Brimming with succulent shrimp cooked in a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, this dish is a delight for the senses. Made with simple, quality ingredients like dry white wine, fresh parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes, it strikes a perfect balance between savory and refreshing. The recipe involves sautéing the shrimp, preparing a flavorful sauce with a zesty kick, then combining with al dente spaghetti for a satisfying finish. Regardless of your culinary skills, this step-by-step guide will help you bring a touch of Mediterranean luxury to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious, restaurant-quality dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
  2. Can I substitute the white wine? If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of seafood or vegetable broth.
  3. Can I use a different type of pasta? While the recipe calls for spaghetti, you can certainly use a different type of pasta like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer.
  4. How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper flakes? The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild level of spiciness to the dish. If you prefer it to be less spicy, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether.
  5. Can I use margarine instead of butter? It is recommended to use butter for the best flavor in this recipe. Margarine can be used as a substitute, but the taste and texture may differ slightly.
  6. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! If you want to add vegetables, you can sauté them along with the garlic or add them towards the end of cooking to keep them crisp-tender.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed for cooking the shrimp and preparing the sauce.
  • Cooking Spoon - A cooking spoon or spatula is necessary for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press can be helpful for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Citrus Juicer - A citrus juicer is useful for extracting fresh lemon juice.
  • Pasta Server - A pasta server or tongs can be used for serving the cooked spaghetti.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board is needed for chopping fresh parsley.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for peeling and deveining the shrimp, as well as chopping parsley.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are required for accurate measurement of ingredients like olive oil, butter, and spices.
  • Stove - A stove or cooktop is needed for cooking the shrimp scampi.

Origin stories

Shrimp Scampi, despite its Italian-sounding name, is actually more of an Italian-American dish than a traditional Italian one. The word "scampi" is Italian for a type of prawn, and in Italy, it is often simply prepared with olive oil, garlic, onion, and white wine. When Italian immigrants came to America, they began to substitute shrimp for the scampi, but kept the name. Thus, the shrimp scampi we know and love was born, a delightful culinary blend of Italian tradition and American innovation. It's a testament to the power of fusion cuisine and the ways in which food can evolve and adapt through different cultures and generations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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