Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's quick to prepare? Then look no further! This oven-baked shrimp scampi recipe is the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It captures all the delightful flavors of classic shrimp scampi, but with the ease and convenience of oven baking. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs!
- 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 olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 pound linguine or spaghetti
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This simple step ensures your pasta and shrimp cook perfectly.
Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the oven. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sauté the garlic: In an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
Deglaze the pan (optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds depth of flavor. If omitting wine, proceed to the next step.
Add shrimp and bake: Add the shrimp and olive oil to the skillet. Toss to coat. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cook the pasta: While the shrimp is baking, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions.
Finish the scampi: Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine and serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp scampi. Toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of dried oregano or basil along with the garlic.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier scampi.
- Add vegetables: Sauté some cherry tomatoes or spinach with the garlic for added nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta, such as fettuccine, angel hair, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional 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 oven-baked shrimp scampi recipe is a healthy, delicious, and easy meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! Let us know in the comments how your shrimp scampi turned out! We love hearing from our readers and seeing your culinary creations. Happy cooking!