Looking for a fresh twist on a classic dish? This Zesty Citrus Shrimp Scampi is a vibrant celebration of flavors, perfect for any time you need a little culinary sunshine. It's a refreshing take that elevates traditional scampi with the zing of citrus.
Shrimp brings the sea's sweetness and is the star of the dish. Choose fresh or well-frozen shrimp for the best texture.
Olive oil provides a base for cooking and infuses a subtle richness. It's the foundation for sautéing the garlic and shrimp to perfection.
Garlic, with its pungent aroma, enhances the flavor profile, creating a savory undertone that complements the citrus.
Lemon juice, lime juice, and orange juice each add their unique citrus notes, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy.
White wine adds depth and a slight acidity to the sauce, balancing the citrus flavors while deglazing the pan.
Lemon zest, lime zest, and orange zest intensify the citrus aroma, making the dish lively and aromatic.
Red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that cuts through the citrus, offering a pleasant, spicy kick.
Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color, finishing the dish beautifully.
Linguine pasta acts as the perfect vessel to soak up the flavorful sauce and showcase the shrimp.
Serve this dish with a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrus notes beautifully.
Let's start by cooking the linguine pasta. Follow the package instructions, and once it's al dente, drain it and set it aside. You'll want it ready to mingle with the sauce later.
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it's fragrant — your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Time to add the shrimp. Lay them in the skillet and cook each side for about 2 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and keep them close by — they’re making a comeback soon.
In the same skillet, pour in the lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, and white wine. Let this mixture come to a simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes. This reduction process intensifies the flavors.
Stir in the lemon zest, lime zest, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. The zests will add an extra punch of citrus aroma.
Now, return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the flavorful citrus sauce. They should be nicely coated and ready to shine.
Finally, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This final touch adds a fresh and vibrant finish.
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