Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy shrimp scampi recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of delicious and simple, ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients: You'll need these simple pantry staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for those new to homemade cooking.
- 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)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked pasta of your choice (linguine or spaghetti recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Guide to Shrimp Scampi Perfection
Follow these easy-to-follow steps for a delicious and effortless meal:
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Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sauté the Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If omitting wine, proceed to the next step.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy shrimp scampi. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies heavily on fresh ingredients. Use high-quality shrimp and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch more or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations: Explore Different Flavors
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Increase the butter to 6 tablespoons for a richer, garlic-forward flavor.
- Lemon Shrimp Scampi: Boost the lemon flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice and zest of half a lemon.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the garlic while sautéing for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Around 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This easy recipe for creamy shrimp scampi is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. It's quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy!