Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and elegant dish to prepare for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion? Look no further than this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic butter, succulent shrimp, and your favorite pasta to create a meal that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients:
8 oz Linguine or Other Pasta: Linguine is traditionally used for shrimp scampi, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
1/4 Cup Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a rich, fruity base to the sauce.
1/4 Cup Butter (Half Stick): Butter brings a creamy, silky texture and flavor to the dish.
1 lb Defrosted Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: The star of the dish, make sure your shrimp are large and fresh for the best taste.
1 Package McCormick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Seasoning Mix: This seasoning mix makes your cooking process easier while ensuring your shrimp scampi is flavorful.
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice or 2 Tbs White Wine (Optional): Adding lemon juice or white wine introduces an acidic component that balances the richness of the butter and olive oil.
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Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your linguine or chosen pasta as directed on the package. Once cooked, drain well and set aside. This will be the bed on which you’ll serve your savory shrimp scampi.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. This combination of fats will serve as the cooking medium for your shrimp, infusing them with flavor.
- Cook Shrimp with Seasoning: Add the defrosted, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the skillet, along with the McCormick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Seasoning Mix. Cook and stir the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, or just until the shrimp turn pink. This is a crucial step; overcooking the shrimp can make them rubbery, so watch them closely.
- Add Lemon Juice or Wine: If you’re using lemon juice or white wine, stir it in now. This optional step adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile of your dish, cutting through the richness with a touch of acidity.
- Combine with Pasta: Finally, toss the cooked shrimp and sauce with the drained pasta, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the savory, garlicky butter sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired. The cheese adds a lovely umami flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and steps. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or any time you want to indulge in a seafood delight. Plus, with the option to customize the recipe by adding lemon juice or white wine, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste preferences.
So why wait? Try this recipe today and bring a taste of gourmet cooking to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.