There’s something magical about a dish that can transport you from your kitchen to a sun-soaked Italian terrace in just 20 minutes. Picture this: succulent shrimp glistening with garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. That’s what you get with this 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as the garlic sizzles in butter, turning your ordinary evening into a culinary delight. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to savor often, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This incredible 20-minute shrimp scampi makes for quick meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
- Its vibrant colors and enticing aromas will impress your guests.
- Perfect for date nights or family dinners, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences.
I once whipped up this 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi for a last-minute dinner party. The smiles and compliments from my friends were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen works too, just thaw them properly.
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti is ideal; use whole grain or gluten-free varieties if preferred.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs more flavor than powdered; look for firm cloves.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it adds richness to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor in your dish.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; dried can be used in a pinch but won’t have the same punch.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they add a delightful kick if you enjoy a bit of heat!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden—about one minute.
Add the Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque—approximately three to four minutes per side.
Create the Sauce: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and add chopped parsley, stirring well to combine everything into a luscious sauce that coats every piece of shrimp.
Toss with Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess. Mix until every strand is coated nicely.
Serve Hot: Plate your masterpiece immediately, garnished with extra parsley and perhaps more red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy! Enjoy while hot!
Now that you’ve conquered this delightful 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi recipe, sit back and bask in your culinary glory while indulging in every bite of this garlicky goodness!
You Must Know
- This scrumptious 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi is not only quick but bursting with flavor.
- With a blend of garlic and butter, it’s an aromatic delight that will impress friends and family.
- Ideal for those on-the-go dinners or a cozy night in with loved ones.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in butter, then add shrimp and cook until pink. Meanwhile, boil pasta so it’s ready when your shrimp is done. Timing is key for the perfect dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. Add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick or toss in some fresh herbs for added freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen can work, but thaw adequately first.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need a few minutes until pink and curled.
- Always reserve pasta water; it’s liquid gold for your sauce!
Sometimes I remember how my friend once declared my shrimp scampi was better than her mom’s—now that’s a compliment worth cherishing!
FAQ
Can I make 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular pasta for gluten-free options like rice noodles or zoodles.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they are deveined and shelled.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter for a delicious dairy-free alternative.
20-Minute Shrimp Scampi
20-Minute Shrimp Scampi is a delightful and quick seafood dish that transports your taste buds to the Italian coast. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in garlic and butter, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a splash of fresh lemon. This flavor-packed meal is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, this dish is sure to impress everyone around the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until pink and opaque—about 3 minutes per side.
- Create sauce: Pour in lemon juice and add chopped parsley; stir well to combine into a luscious sauce.
- Toss with pasta: Gently fold in the drained pasta with reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess. Mix until every strand is coated.
- Serve hot: Plate immediately, garnishing with additional parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For a twist, substitute shrimp with chicken or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days; reheat gently on the stove.
