Craving a delicious meal that’s ready in a flash? This Garlic Shrimp Scampi is your answer! It’s a simple yet elegant dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant but can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but big on flavor.
Health Benefits
Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Plus, garlic, a star ingredient here, is known for its potential immune-boosting properties and heart health benefits. This dish is also often served with pasta, which provides carbohydrates for energy.
Ingredients Needed
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 8 ounces linguine or your favorite pasta
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
* Juice of 1/2 lemon
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Step By Step Making
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Do not overcook.
5. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the cooked pasta and chopped parsley to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together to coat the pasta.
7. If the sauce seems a bit dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutritional Value
A serving of this Garlic Shrimp Scampi (about 1/4 of the recipe, including pasta) contains approximately:
* Calories: 450-500
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams