Description
Creamy Shrimp Scampi whisks Mediterranean coastal charm onto plates with succulent shrimp nestled in silky garlic butter sauce. Pasta lovers will dive into this quick, elegant dinner that brings Italian seaside magic right to kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb linguine, cooked
- 1 lb shrimp
Protein and Dairy:
- 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (1/8 cup) freshly grated parmesan cheese
Aromatics, Seasonings, and Herbs:
- ¼ cup chopped shallots
- 2 tablespoons sliced garlic
- 1 cup white wine
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
Additional:
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by seasoning with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet until they turn golden brown and develop a light caramelized exterior. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, then add finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté the aromatics until they become fragrant and the shallots turn translucent, releasing their sweet, delicate flavors.
- Pour in dry white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce by approximately one-third, which concentrates the flavors and creates a more intense sauce base.
- Incorporate fresh chopped parsley and stir to distribute the herb’s bright, verdant notes throughout the developing sauce.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Add cooked linguine directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the creamy, herbaceous mixture.
- Reintroduce the seared shrimp to the pasta, warming them through and allowing them to meld with the sauce’s rich flavors.
- Finish the dish by generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley over the top, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of savory complexity.
- Serve the shrimp scampi immediately while still hot, ensuring the pasta remains al dente and the sauce maintains its luxurious consistency.
Notes
- Chilling shrimp beforehand helps maintain their tender texture during cooking.
- Using fresh garlic and real butter elevates the overall flavor profile dramatically.
- Selecting medium-sized shrimp ensures consistent cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Allowing sauce to reduce concentrates the wine and lemon’s bright, complex notes.
- Stirring pasta directly into sauce helps it absorb maximum flavor and creates a silky coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg