Craving that restaurant-quality shrimp scampi but don't want the price tag or the hassle of a night out? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe is my take on Olive Garden's famous shrimp scampi, designed to be quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, delicious flavors. It's the perfect healthy meal, a fantastic quick dinner idea, and a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients: What You'll Need
This recipe is designed for two generous servings, but can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
Instructions: Making Restaurant-Quality Shrimp Scampi at Home
This simple recipe comes together in under 30 minutes!
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the dish bitter.
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Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing and it adds a ton of flavor! Let the mixture simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
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Stir in the Seasoning: Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the shrimp and sauce. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Serve Immediately: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh garlic if possible; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Some prefer more lemon juice, others more garlic or red pepper flakes. Experiment and find your perfect balance!
- Fresh parsley is key: It adds a bright, fresh element to the dish. Don't skip it!
Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Add vegetables: Sauté some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini with the garlic for a heartier dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Use different pasta: Fettuccine, angel hair, or even zoodles would all work well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This delicious and easy shrimp scampi recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It's a great example of how delicious dishes can also be healthy and quick to prepare. Enjoy!