Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further! This baked shrimp scampi recipe is your answer. It's a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dish perfect for a busy weeknight. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant homemade meal. This recipe delivers all the flavors of classic shrimp scampi but with the added convenience of baking – less mess, more flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Garlic & Butter: In an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the wine to reduce slightly. If omitting wine, proceed to the next step.
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Add Shrimp & Seasonings: Add the shrimp to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, parsley, Parmesan cheese, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. The shrimp should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
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Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp scampi. Toss gently to combine, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Shrimp Scampi:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish really shines when you use fresh, flavorful ingredients.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this delicious baked shrimp scampi with a side salad or crusty bread for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for added nutrients and flavor. Add them to the skillet along with the shrimp.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This baked shrimp scampi recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Enjoy this delicious dish!