This Shrimp Scampi is an Italian-inspired recipe that will have you saying “grazie” to me for sharing it with you!
Sit down and get your stretchy pants on, because I’m back with another delicious Italian-inspired dinner that you won’t be able to help getting seconds of! While I pride myself on being an Italian food writer, it’s been a while since I actually wrote about one of the Italian recipes I was raised on. So I decided it was time to share one of my absolute favorites, shrimp scampi.
Now, before we get into it, I feel obligated to be honest about the fact that I actually don’t like shrimp very much. In fact, shellfish as a whole category is not my thing. But something about a perfectly cooked shrimp scampi served on a bed of homemade pasta really makes me change my mind. So if shrimp isn’t quite your thing either, you might want to give this recipe a try.
If you know your marine biology, you might be thinking, “Shrimp and scampi are two different things.” Well, scampi is the Italian name for langoustines, a small crustacean, not unlike a mini lobster, that this dish used to be made with in Italy. However, as Italians migrated to America and time passed, the dish became more popularly made with shrimp, leaving the real scampi out of the dish entirely. Honestly, be grateful, because langoustines are way harder to find at your local grocery store.
Shrimp, on the other hand, blends in quite nicely and brings a light seafood flavor to this rich, buttery, garlicky dish. The shrimp is cooked in a light sauce of white wine, butter, garlic, and lemon juice, and then traditionally served over rice or noodles to finish. I’m telling you guys, it’s delizioso!
Is Shrimp Scampi Healthy?
My own personal version of shrimp scampi is quite decadent, as the shrimp is sautéed in butter and served over carb-heavy noodles. However, subbing some of that butter out for olive oil and opting for a healthier bed like white rice or Zucchini Noodles makes this dish much more diet-friendly. Plus, shrimp is an excellent source of protein.
Cooking With Shrimp
One of the biggest reasons I haven’t always been a fan of shrimp (though I’m totally craving some shrimp scampi right now) is that I’ve always been afraid to cook with it. But after years of making this dish and learning from the more experienced chefs in my family, I’ve picked up some pointers. First, marinate your shrimp before cooking it! Tossing your uncooked shrimp in a bit of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and letting it sit for about 20 minutes before cooking, will deepen the already yummy flavor. And second, shrimp cooks quickly; it only needs a couple of minutes to turn pink and opaque.
How to make ahead and store
Your shrimp scampi will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days as long as it is stored in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stovetop with low heat to preserve its taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
If you are looking for a lighter option to enjoy your shrimp scampi with, a side of veggies like Roasted Cauliflower will do just fine. But in true Italian fashion, I encourage you to enjoy your shrimp scampi with a side of Garlic Toast or fresh bread, and a glass of your favorite wine! Don’t forget to dip your bread in the extra sauce. Buon appetito!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving optional
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients, peel and devein shrimp, mince garlic, and chop parsley.
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook about 1-2 minutes per side. The shrimp will be pink by now. Pour in white wine, bring to a simmer and let reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked pasta or rice.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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