Buttery Shrimp Scampi is a dish that dances on your taste buds, combining succulent shrimp with a rich garlic and butter sauce. The aroma wafting from the stovetop will have you salivating before the first bite even lands on your plate. Picture this: golden brown garlic sizzling in butter, mingling with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon, all while tender shrimp curl up, soaking in that luxurious sauce.
There’s something magical about Buttery Shrimp Scampi that brings people together. I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a casual dinner party. Their eyes widened with delight at the first mouthful, and laughter filled the room as they eagerly went back for seconds. This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a romantic date night or just a cozy gathering with friends—and it promises an unforgettable flavor experience. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Buttery Shrimp Scampi is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners easy and delicious
- The rich flavors create an indulgent meal that’s still light and refreshing
- Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests without fuss
- The versatility allows you to serve it over pasta, rice, or even crusty bread for a delightful twist
The dinner table erupted in applause when I unveiled my Buttery Shrimp Scampi—a moment I’ll cherish forever.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp to ensure tenderness and maximum flavor in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while adding rich flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add aromatic depth and richness to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the buttery flavors.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s freshness with its herby notes.
- White Wine: A splash of dry white wine complements the shrimp beautifully and adds complexity to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick without overpowering.
- Pasta (optional): Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a classic Italian touch that pairs perfectly with the scampi.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Chop garlic and parsley finely for best results.
Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—don’t let it burn!
Add Shrimp and Wine: Toss in your shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan.
Season with Lemon Juice and Spices: Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste. Stir everything together as those flavors mingle delightfully.
Finish with Parsley and Serve!: Once everything is well combined, remove from heat. Stir in freshly chopped parsley for brightness before serving over pasta or on its own.
Enjoy making your Buttery Shrimp Scampi! You’ll be sipping wine while savoring each buttery bite—not too shabby for a weeknight dinner!
You Must Know
- Buttery Shrimp Scampi is a culinary delight that transforms any dinner into a special occasion
- The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh shrimp creates an aroma that makes your mouth water even before the first bite
- Perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the butter and sautéing garlic to create a fragrant base. Then, sear the shrimp until they turn pink, adding white wine for depth while cooking pasta separately to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for scallops or add veggies like asparagus for a colorful twist. Experimenting with different herbs can also give your dish a unique flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, ensuring not to overcook the shrimp again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, use high-quality shrimp and fresh ingredients
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery
- A splash of lemon juice brightens up the dish perfectly, enhancing all those buttery flavors
Cooking this dish always brings back memories of my friends raving about it during our impromptu dinner parties. Their delighted expressions made every effort worthwhile!
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for Buttery Shrimp Scampi?
Large, fresh or frozen shrimp work best for this dish.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, spaghetti is traditional, but linguine or fettuccine are great alternatives.
How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque; they cook quickly!
Buttery Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Buttery Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish that brings together tender shrimp and a rich garlic-butter sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. Infused with fresh lemon and parsley, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Serve it over pasta or crusty bread for an indulgent treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Cooked linguine or spaghetti (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan.
- Squeeze lemon juice into the mixture and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve over pasta or on its own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg