Are you looking for a romantic, yet easy dinner recipe to impress your loved one? Look no further! Inspired by the smooth, soulful charm of Harry Connick Jr., this Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Linguine is a delicious and surprisingly simple dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking, blending classic flavors into a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and utterly delicious. Get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to win hearts!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
-
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
-
Combine and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
-
Add Shrimp and Pasta: Add the cooked shrimp and drained linguine to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine – a perfect complement to the light and bright flavors of the scampi.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a much brighter and more intense flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Taste and adjust: Season the sauce to your liking. You might want more lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, or pepper.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus, to make this dish even healthier and more colorful.
Variations:
- Spicy Scampi: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Creamy Tomato Scampi: Stir in a 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes along with the heavy cream for a richer, more complex sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free linguine for regular linguine.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
This Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Linguine is a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one delivers on both flavor and ease of preparation. Enjoy!