One busy evening, I was in my kitchen. The smell of garlic filled the air. It made me feel happy and relaxed.
I had just come home from a long day. I was tired and didn’t want to cook. But then I thought of my shrimp scampi recipe. It only needed 1.25 pounds of shrimp and a few things from my pantry.
In no time, I had a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ready. It was amazing and took less than 10 minutes to make!
This dish is full of flavor. It has juicy shrimp, buttery garlic, and a bit of lemon. Every time I make it, I feel like it makes my day better.
It’s great for any time you want to impress. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is perfect. So, let’s start making this tasty shrimp scampi!
What is Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a tasty Italian-American dish. It’s all about succulent shrimp cooked in a butter-garlic sauce. Adding white wine makes it even better, blending all the flavors together.
This dish is easy and fast, perfect for any day. It cooks in under 30 minutes, with only 10 minutes of actual cooking. Using medium shrimp makes it tender and delicious. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make.
To make shrimp scampi, you need 12 ounces of shrimp and 1 pound of angel hair pasta. The garlic and 4 tablespoons of butter make a rich sauce. As it cooks, the kitchen fills with amazing smells. This dish is a favorite in my kitchen, and I think it will be in yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a must-try for seafood fans. It’s quick and easy to make, ready in just 25 minutes. The mix of garlic, butter, and shrimp is irresistible.
It serves four, perfect for family dinners or small parties. Each serving has about 523 calories. It’s a tasty shrimp scampi without the long cooking time.
This dish is also very versatile. Try it with angel hair pasta or with veggies and bread. Its quick cooking and tasty flavors make it great for any meal.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 people |
| Calories per serving | 523 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 66 mg |
| Sodium | 449 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Ingredients for Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Before we start making shrimp scampi pasta, we need to get the right ingredients. Each one is important for the dish’s rich, buttery taste. I’ll list the must-haves and some extras that can make it even better.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup of dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- ¼ cup dry vermouth
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Cracked pepper to taste
Now that we have the key ingredients, let’s make a tasty garlic butter shrimp scampi. The mix of garlic, wine, and shrimp will make a dish that’s both tasty and fulfilling. Let’s start combining these flavors in our favorite shrimp scampi pasta!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4-5 cloves |
| Large shrimp | 1 ¼ pounds |
| Dry white wine or chicken broth | ¼ cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ¼ cup |
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making the best shrimp scampi is easy with this quick recipe. Here’s how to make it flavorful and simple.
- Prep Ingredients: Get all your ingredients ready—shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, and seasonings. This makes cooking smooth.
- Heat Oil and Butter: In a big skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Do this over medium heat until they melt.
- Sauté Garlic: Put minced garlic in the pan. Cook for 30 seconds. This lets it smell good without getting brown.
- Cook Shrimp: Add 1 pound of big shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink. Flip them and cook until they’re fully pink.
- Add Liquid: Pour in 2 tablespoons of white wine (or broth). If you like, add crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. This lets the wine reduce and make the flavor better.
- Finish the Sauce: Mix in the last 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and chopped parsley after you turn off the heat.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi by itself or over 8 ounces of linguine or other pasta. It makes a great meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
To make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi better, follow these tips. Use butter and olive oil together. This stops the butter from burning and keeps the flavor rich.
Don’t overcook the shrimp. They should turn pink and be tender in 2 to 3 minutes. This is key for the right texture.
For better flavor, let the white wine simmer for about three minutes. This makes the sauce taste deeper. Get all your ingredients ready before cooking. This makes the cooking process faster and keeps the dish perfect.
Adding baking soda to your shrimp makes them moist and tender. This is great when cooking them fast. Use fresh herbs or dry vermouth for deglazing. This makes the dish taste better and helps the sauce cook down faster.
| Cooking Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Butter and Olive Oil | Prevents butter from burning and maintains flavor. |
| Avoid Overcooking | Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and tender. |
| Wine Reduction | Simmer until reduced by one-third for deeper flavor. |
| Prep Ingredients Ahead | Quickens cooking time and improves efficiency. |
| Baking Soda | Increases moisture retention for tender shrimp. |
| Fresh Herbs and Vermouth | Enhances flavor and reduces cooking time. |
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Shrimp Scampi
There are many tasty ways to serve shrimp scampi. It goes well with different bases, making each bite exciting. Here are some top picks for garlic shrimp:
- Angel hair pasta or linguine, which soak up the rich butter and garlic sauce beautifully.
- Zucchini noodles make for a refreshing, low-carb alternative.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower offer a nutritious crunch.
- Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory sauce.
Here’s a table showing how each option pairs with the dish:
| Serving Option | Flavor Profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Angel Hair Pasta | Rich and buttery | Smooth and soft |
| Zucchini Noodles | Fresh and light | Crisp and tender |
| Steamed Vegetables | Earthy and vibrant | Crisp and tender |
| Crusty Garlic Bread | Garlicky and hearty | Crunchy and chewy |
Try these ideas for serving shrimp scampi. Your dish will surely impress!
Pairing Wines with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
When you enjoy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, the right wine makes it even better. Dry white wines are great with this dish. They match the garlic and butter flavors well. Here are some top picks:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its bright acidity balances the rich shrimp.
- Pinot Grigio: It’s light and crisp, perfect with the buttery sauce.
- Chardonnay: Oaked Chardonnays are great with buttery dishes. Unoaked ones are refreshing.
There are more wines to try. Garganega has a bright fruit taste that goes well with shrimp scampi. Sancerre’s acidity is perfect with shrimp scampi and risotto. Albariño has stone fruit notes that balance the dish’s acidity.
Rosé is also versatile. It’s good for cooking and drinking. Using rosé and white wine together can make shrimp scampi even better. Vinho Verde adds a tartness that’s great with scampi.
The best wine for shrimp dish depends on how it’s made. Lighter wines are good for simple dishes. Richer wines are better for more complex ones. Choose wines with high acidity to balance the buttery shrimp scampi.
Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi
I always store shrimp scampi in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Enjoy it best within three days for the best taste.
If you need to keep it longer, freezing is a good choice. Frozen shrimp scampi stays good for up to three months. Just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid freezer burn.
To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat. This way, I can add broth or butter to keep the shrimp moist. I avoid microwaving because it can make shrimp rubbery.
If microwaving, I use 1.5 to 2 minutes for small portions. For bigger ones, add 30 to 60 seconds more. This gentle reheating keeps the flavors rich.
Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is tasty and good for you. Shrimp is a lean protein, giving you 29 grams per serving. It’s great for those who want more protein without extra fat.
Garlic adds to the dish’s health benefits. It fights inflammation and is good for your heart.
Adding veggies like broccoli makes it even better. Broccoli is full of vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, and fiber. It also has sulforaphane, which may help fight cancer.
This mix is low in calories but full of vitamins and minerals. Here’s a closer look at what makes it so nutritious:
| Ingredient | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | 159 | 29 | 1 | 0 |
| Broccoli | 30 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Garlic | 4 | 0.2 | 0.02 | 0.1 |
| Olive Oil | 119 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Butter | 102 | 0.1 | 11.5 | 0 |
This dish is not just tasty but also healthy. It’s a great way to enjoy good food and stay healthy at the same time. Try it out and enjoy the taste and health perks it offers.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A Delicious Variation
Looking for a tasty twist on Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi? Try garlic shrimp pasta. It has tender shrimp, cooked pasta, and a yummy garlic-butter sauce. Just follow a few easy steps for a meal everyone will love.
Start by cooking the pasta as the package says. While it boils, sauté shrimp in butter and garlic for flavor. The shrimp cook fast, in just 1-2 minutes on one side. This makes it perfect for quick dinners.
When the shrimp and pasta are done, mix them in a big skillet. Add white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Add fresh spinach and parsley for color and nutrition. Top it all off with Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
This recipe makes about four servings, perfect for family dinners or parties. It has 537 calories per serving, with carbs, protein, and flavor. Try it; it might become your new favorite dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Shrimp Scampi
Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is fun, but you must avoid common mistakes. One big mistake is overcooking the shrimp. This makes them tough and changes the dish’s taste.
Shrimp should cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. When they turn from milky to opaque, they’re ready.
Another mistake is using too much salt. This can make the shrimp and garlic flavors too strong. It’s important to keep the seasoning balanced.
Not letting the wine reduce can also mess up the sauce. The wine should reduce to half in 2 to 3 minutes.
Here’s a summary of these mistakes in table format for easy reference:
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overcooking shrimp | Tough, rubbery texture | Cook for 1-2 minutes per side |
| Using too much salt | Overpowering flavors | Balance seasoning carefully |
| Not reducing wine | Watery sauce | Allow wine to reduce for 2-3 minutes |
Why This is the Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe You’ll Ever Try
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is my favorite. It’s simple and full of flavor. You can make it in just 20 minutes.
The shrimp, butter, and garlic make every bite amazing. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
This recipe is great because you can change it up. You can eat it alone or with pasta. It’s also perfect for sharing with 1.5 pounds of shrimp.
Each serving has 640 calories and lots of protein. It’s a healthy choice for any meal.
This recipe is more than food. It brings people together. The smell of cooking makes everyone excited.
Once you try this shrimp scampi, you’ll want it again. It’s that good!
