Shrimp Scampi – This Italian style shrimp scampi dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce, served over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
What is Italian Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi is an Italian-American dish that has evolved over time. In its simplest form, “scampi” refers to small, lobster-like crustaceans, but in the U.S., shrimp is commonly used as the star ingredient. The dish is typically prepared with shrimp sautéed in butter, olive oil, garlic, and white wine, finished with lemon juice and fresh parsley. It’s often served over pasta like linguine or fettuccine, but it can also be enjoyed as an appetizer with bread or on its own.
Key Ingredients for Italian Shrimp Scampi
To make the perfect Italian Shrimp Scampi, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
Pasta (optional): Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a complete meal.
Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails left on for presentation (optional).
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for the classic scampi flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich base for the sauce.
Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is ideal for sautéing.
White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds depth and acidity to the dish.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a small pinch adds just the right amount of heat.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley for garnish gives the dish a burst of color and freshness.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Italian Shrimp Scampi
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly by running them under cold water.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture. As soon as they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done.
- Choose the Right Wine: A dry white wine complements the richness of the butter and garlic. Avoid sweet wines, which can make the dish too cloying.
- Adjust the Heat: Red pepper flakes are optional but recommended if you enjoy a slight kick of spice.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: This recipe comes together fast, so having all your ingredients ready to go ensures smooth cooking.
Variations of Italian Shrimp Scampi
While the classic shrimp scampi is divine on its own, here are some variations to consider:
Shrimp Scampi with Asparagus: Add blanched asparagus for a pop of green and additional flavor.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables: Sauté zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes in the garlic and wine sauce before adding the shrimp.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: For an extra citrusy punch, add more lemon zest and juice, and finish with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil.
Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi: Serve over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lighter, gluten-free version.
How to Serve Italian Shrimp Scampi
Italian Shrimp Scampi is versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve as an appetizer or light meal with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping into the buttery sauce.
- Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- On Its Own: Enjoy shrimp scampi as a simple, elegant main course without any sides.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated after freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Yes, but the cooking time will be much shorter. Just add the shrimp at the very end, cooking long enough to heat them through without overcooking.
Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Absolutely! You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
What type of shrimp is best for scampi?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe because they hold up well to cooking and offer a more satisfying bite.
Can I make shrimp scampi in advance?
While shrimp scampi is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
What wine pairs well with shrimp scampi?
A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent pairing for shrimp scampi, complementing the dish’s buttery richness.
Italian Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi - This Italian style shrimp scampi dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce, served over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Pasta or crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare your pasta: If you're serving the scampi with pasta, get the water boiling with a generous pinch of salt.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat a large sauté pan over high heat. Add butter and olive oil. Once melted, toss in your thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about a minute—be careful not to burn it!
- Add spice and wine: Stir in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Then, pour in the white wine and a pinch of salt, letting it boil vigorously for 2-3 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, letting them cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip the shrimp, season with parsley and black pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and mix everything well. If you’ve boiled pasta, toss it with the scampi. If serving with bread, pour the shrimp and sauce into a bowl and dig in!
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 640Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 494mgSodium 2376mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 57g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Italian Shrimp Scampi is an indulgent yet simple dish that can elevate any meal. Its buttery garlic sauce, paired with perfectly cooked shrimp, is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. By following these tips, experimenting with variations, and knowing how to serve and store it properly, you can confidently make shrimp scampi for any occasion.
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