Are you ever staring into the fridge at 6 PM wondering what on earth to make for dinner? I know I have. The search for Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes that are actually delicious can feel like a full time job. But what if I told you that you could have a restaurant quality meal on the table in less than 30 minutes? That’s right!
This shrimp scampi recipe is a total lifesaver. It is one of those fantastic Easy Meals For Dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it. It’s bright, garlicky, and full of flavor. Get ready to add a new favorite to your weekly rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This dish is the definition of simple elegance. The sauce is rich and savory, made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth. It is so good you will want to soak up every last drop with some crusty bread.
The shrimp are plump and tender, not rubbery at all. We have a little trick using baking soda that makes them perfectly cooked every time. It’s one of my top Quick Dinner Ideas for a reason. It comes together so fast!
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over pasta, with bread, or even over some zucchini noodles if you are looking for Healthy Dinner Ideas. It is a meal that feels special without any of the stress. It’s one of the best Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes you will find.
Ingredients
For The Marinade
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
For The Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for cooking shrimp
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, for making the sauce
- 1/4 cup minced garlic (about 10 cloves)
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, and/or chives
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)
For Serving
- 12 ounces linguine pasta, optional, for serving
- Crusty french bread, optional, for serving
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Thaw And Marinate The Shrimp
First things first, let’s get that shrimp ready. If you are using frozen shrimp, place them in a colander under cool running water for a few minutes. Let them sit until they are soft and bendy. This should only take about five minutes total.
Once thawed, pat them a little dry and put them in a bowl. Sprinkle the salt and baking soda over them. Toss everything to coat the shrimp well. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes. This little brine is the key to wonderfully firm and moist shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare The Aromatics
While the shrimp marinates, it is time to prep the garlic and lemons. This is where all the flavor comes from! Smash and peel about 10 cloves of garlic. Yes, ten! Trust me, it becomes sweet and nutty when cooked.
Chop the garlic finely. Next, grab your two lemons. Use a microplane to zest them into a small bowl. Then, squeeze the juice into another bowl. Using a strainer helps catch any pesky seeds. This is one of those Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes that relies on fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Get Your Sides Ready
If you plan to serve this with pasta, now is the time to get your water boiling. Make sure to salt the water generously. Cook your linguine according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain it and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
If bread is your vehicle of choice for that yummy sauce, slice it up and have it ready. A warm loaf of crusty bread is just divine. Having sides ready is essential for Quick Dinner Ideas like this one.
Step 4: Cook The Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Let it get nice and hot for a minute or two. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. It should shimmer right away. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan.
This part moves fast! As soon as the shrimp start to turn pink and opaque, flip them over with tongs. Once they are opaque on both sides, take them out and set them on a plate. This whole process takes maybe 2 to 3 minutes. Work in batches if you need to.
Step 5: Build The Amazing Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add three tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Once it shimmers, add your minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds. You want it fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a low simmer. Let it cook for about three minutes to reduce a bit. This concentrates the flavor beautifully. It is what makes these Easy Meals For Dinner so special.
Step 6: Finish The Sauce
Now for the creamy part. Add the pieces of butter to the skillet. Whisk continuously as it melts to make sure it incorporates fully into the sauce. A smooth sauce is what we are aiming for here.
Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and keep whisking. Give the sauce a taste. Does it need more salt? Add a little if it does. Let it simmer gently for another minute or two while you whisk.
Step 7: Combine And Serve
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together so each piece of shrimp gets coated in that liquid gold. Turn off the heat. There is no need to cook it further.
Finally, stir in the fresh parsley or chives and all that glorious lemon zest you prepared earlier. The zest adds a bright, fresh aroma that is just wonderful. Your search for delicious Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes is officially over.
Serve it immediately over your warm pasta or with that crusty bread on the side. Or both! You deserve it. Enjoy one of the most satisfying and Easy Meals For Dinner.
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes for a fantastic lunch the next day. I would not recommend freezing the leftovers if you used previously frozen shrimp, as refreezing is not ideal for texture.
When you are ready to reheat, do it gently. The shrimp is already cooked, so you just want to warm it through. A few minutes in a pan over low heat works best. I would avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp tough. A little extra butter or a squeeze of lemon can liven them right up!
Tips
Want to make this one of your go to Healthy Dinner Ideas? Serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of zucchini noodles or steamed asparagus instead of pasta. It is just as delicious and adds a nice vegetable component.
Do not be afraid of the amount of garlic. It seems like a lot, but when you sauté it gently in olive oil, it becomes sweet and mellow, not harsh. It is the heart of the dish!
If your sauce happens to separate or look curdled after adding the lemon juice, do not panic. Just add a tablespoon of water and whisk vigorously until it comes back together. It’s an easy fix.
Feel free to swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth if that is what you have on hand. It will work just as well for this simple weeknight recipe, another one of my favorite Quick Dinner Ideas.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, elegant, and incredibly flavorful shrimp scampi that proves Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes do not have to be boring. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight, a date night in, or anytime you want a meal that feels a little bit special without a ton of effort.
I hope this becomes one of your favorite Easy Meals For Dinner. It is a true crowd pleaser that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients. Give it a try and let me know how you like it. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Pre Cooked Shrimp?
I really recommend using raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre cooked shrimp can easily become tough and rubbery when heated again. Using raw shrimp ensures they are perfectly tender and juicy. This is one of those Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes where fresh is best.
What Can I Serve With Shrimp Scampi Besides Pasta?
So many options! For lighter or low carb Healthy Dinner Ideas, serve it over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a bed of sautéed spinach. It is also fantastic with creamy polenta, rice, or simply a big piece of crusty bread for dipping.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
Not at all, unless you want it to be! The pinch of red pepper flakes is optional. It adds a very mild background warmth. If you love heat, feel free to add more. If you do not like spicy food, you can leave it out completely without affecting the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy Free?
Absolutely. To make this recipe dairy free, you can substitute the butter with a high quality dairy free butter alternative or use extra olive oil. The taste will be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious example of one of the great Easy Meals For Dinner.
Shrimp Scampi
This bright, garlicky shrimp scampi is a flavorful and easy meal, ready in less than 30 minutes. A simple elegance perfect for any weeknight or a special dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, thaw frozen shrimp by placing them in a colander under cool running water for about five minutes until soft. Pat dry and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and baking soda, toss to coat, and let sit for at least 15 minutes to marinate.
- While shrimp marinates, prepare aromatics. Smash, peel, and finely chop about 10 cloves of garlic. Zest two large lemons using a microplane into a small bowl, then squeeze their juice into another bowl, straining out any seeds.
- If serving with pasta, bring salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. If serving with bread, slice it and have it ready.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook quickly, about 2 to 3 minutes total, flipping with tongs until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a low simmer. Cook for about three minutes to reduce and concentrate flavor.
- Add butter pieces to the skillet and whisk continuously as they melt to create a smooth sauce. Pour in fresh lemon juice and continue whisking. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Simmer gently for another minute or two while whisking.
- Return cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat. Turn off the heat. Finally, stir in fresh parsley (or chives) and lemon zest. Serve immediately over warm pasta or with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat; avoid the microwave to prevent tough shrimp. A little extra butter or a squeeze of lemon can liven them right up!
Serve the shrimp and sauce over zucchini noodles or steamed asparagus instead of pasta for a lighter, healthy dinner.
Don’t be afraid of the amount of garlic. Sautéing it gently in olive oil makes it sweet and mellow, not harsh.
If your sauce separates or curdles, add a tablespoon of water and whisk vigorously until it comes back together.
Feel free to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if preferred.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
