Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're in the mood for a quick yet elegant dinner, this Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil is a perfect choice. With a delightful blend of fresh flavors, it's a dish that brings a touch of sophistication to your table without much fuss.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil

Shrimp are the star of this dish, bringing a sweet and briny flavor that's perfectly complemented by the other ingredients. You'll want to use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for ease of eating and cooking. Unsalted butter is used to create a rich, velvety sauce, while olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness. Garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic depth, and a splash of dry white wine adds acidity and complexity. The lemon zest and juice provide a bright, tangy lift, and fresh basil leaves bring a hint of sweetness and peppery notes. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat. Linguine pasta is the perfect base, soaking up all the delicious sauce. Top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an herbaceous finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have white wine, chicken broth can be a good substitute.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque.
  • Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp Scampi pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette. For a touch of indulgence, you might also serve it alongside some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A chilled glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe will round out the meal beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but be sure to add them at the very end to just warm through, as they are already cooked.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Yes, chicken broth or a bit of lemon juice mixed with water can be used.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for its flavor and aroma, but dried can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount.

Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions, then drain it and set it aside. In the meantime, get your skillet ready by heating up the olive oil with two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them around for about a minute until the garlic smells heavenly.

Now, add the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they're in a single layer. Season them with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink color. Remove the shrimp and set them aside for a bit. Next, pour the white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the skillet, and bring it to a simmer. This will help you scrape up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss the pasta around to coat it in that delicious sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the remaining tablespoon of butter, basil, and parsley. Give everything a good toss to combine all those fantastic flavors together.

Finally, it's time to plate up your shrimp scampi. Serve it hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy each bite of this delightful dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Light and refreshing with a citrusy kick.
  • Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
  • The combination of shrimp and basil is simply irresistible.
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 lb linguine pasta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Pour the white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the skillet, bringing it to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the cooked linguine to the skillet, and toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the remaining tablespoon of butter, basil, and parsley, tossing everything to combine.
9. Serve the shrimp scampi garnished with Parmesan cheese.

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