Simple Shrimp Scampi Recipe
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This Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delightful dish that marries the richness of shrimp with the zest of lemon and garlic, all twirled into a bed of pasta.
It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This version emphasizes a healthy and affordable approach without compromising on flavor.
Table of contents
Five Reasons Your Body Will Love This Meal
- Lean Protein: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance.
- Garlic Power: Garlic is not only flavorful; it’s also known for its immune-boosting properties.
- Whole Grain Goodness: Using whole grain pasta adds fiber to your diet, aiding digestion.
- Lemon for Vitality: Lemon zest and juice are rich in vitamin C, important for skin health and immunity.
- Olive Oil Benefits: Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g (with whole grain pasta)
- Fat: 10g (mostly unsaturated fats from olive oil)
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin C: 20% of the daily value
Ingredients List
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz whole grain spaghetti or linguine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Combine: Return the shrimp to the pan with garlic. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir to combine. If the mixture is dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp, and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you thicken scampi sauce?
When thickening a scampi sauce, I prefer using a roux made with butter and flour to achieve a smooth and velvety texture.
To start, melt a few tablespoons of butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, gradually add an equal amount of all-purpose flour while stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon to form a paste-like mixture. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Next, slowly pour in your scampi sauce liquid, such as chicken broth or white wine, while stirring constantly. The roux will thicken the liquid as you incorporate it. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer, stirring continuously to ensure the roux blends evenly and thickens the sauce to your desired consistency.
Adjust the thickness by adding more liquid if it’s too thick or simmering longer if needed. Finally, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices before serving over shrimp or pasta.
This method of using a roux is effective for creating a rich and flavorful scampi sauce that coats your dish beautifully.
Is shrimp scampi really Italian?
The question of whether shrimp scampi is truly Italian can be a bit nuanced. The term “scampi” traditionally refers to a type of small lobster or langoustine found in European waters. In Italy, “scampi” typically refers to these crustaceans and is often prepared simply with garlic, butter, and white wine.
However, the dish we commonly refer to as “shrimp scampi” in the United States—a dish made with shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce—is more of an Italian-American creation. It likely evolved from Italian immigrant communities in the United States who adapted traditional Italian cooking techniques and ingredients to local tastes and availability.
So, while the concept of cooking shrimp in a garlic butter sauce has Italian roots, the specific dish known as “shrimp scampi” as we know it today is more closely associated with Italian-American cuisine rather than traditional Italian cuisine. Nonetheless, it remains a beloved and delicious dish enjoyed by many!
Helpful Resources
- Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- https://oldfashionedcravings.com/5-tips-for-perfect-pasta-every-time/
- All our Main course seafood recipes
Wrap-Up
This Simple, Healthy, and Affordable Shrimp Scampi is a testament to the fact that nutritious meals can be both delicious and easy on the wallet. With a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, it’s a well-rounded dish that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy the flavors and the health benefits with every bite!