If you look up the definition of scampi, you will find that they are lobster-like crustaceans with pale pink shells. When thinking of the shrimp scampi dish, this may cause some confusion as scampi are not used in the dish at all.
It turns out that Italian cooks in the United States swapped scampi with shrimp and kept both names.
Now that we have a better understanding of the dish’s origins, let’s take a closer look at the meal and how you can make it in your home.
Easy Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi refers to the preparation of the shrimp itself, but it is so often served with pasta that it goes without saying that, when ordering this in restaurants, you will be getting the pasta and fish classic.
Although several variations can be made on the shrimp scampi dish, the recipe we offer here is one that is easy to follow and prepare. Start by boiling the pasta, then add shrimp until cooked. Drain over pea pods and put the mixture in a serving bowl.
Add onions, vinaigrette, and pepper. Toss lightly and sprinkle with feta cheese. This is an easy way to make a healthy dish for your family. The ingredients this dish uses make it one that is in-line with Mediterranean diets, which are known for being low fat and heart-healthy.
Shrimp Scampi Sauce
There are many variations on the shrimp scampi recipe and a good way to make recipes unique is by using different types of sauces. Here are some different sauces you can use to make your shrimp scampi stand out.
Easy Scampi Sauce for Shrimp: This sauce uses a combination of butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and tabasco sauce. The ingredients are combined, heated on the stove, and poured on shrimp to provide a delicious flavor.
Lemon and Wine Sauce: Many scampi sauces are made with wine. This sauce is made with white wine and lemon juice that is prepared in the same skillet the other ingredients were prepared in. This is the perfect way to add to the flavor. Melt in butter and olive oil to give the sauce a great taste and consistency.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Sauce: You can also make your shrimp scampi sauce creamy. The creamy sauce can be the perfect complement for a scampi dish that includes shallots. While cooking the shallots, add wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Simmer, then add cream for a rich taste that is sure to elevate your scampi dish.
If you are looking to thicken your scampi sauce without making it creamy, add corn starch or flour to give it the consistency you are looking for.
Shrimp scampi is a classic dish your entire family will enjoy. It can be healthy and light or rich and decadent . Think of your family’s tastes to decide on how you will be preparing this dish for tonight’s dinner.
Sides to Serve With This Recipe
While this recipe can certainly stand on its own, a side or two will really turn it into a complete meal. A great side to serve is a simple salad. Salads offer so many different options, depending entirely on the ingredients you want to use.
You can keep it simple and make the most basic salad possible, or go for something more complex. If you want to save time and money, buy a pre-prepared salad from the store. Make sure to pick ingredients that your kids enjoy.
Another side option is a set of breadsticks. Who doesn't love breadsticks? They're famous for a reason. Garlic breadsticks are the most popular flavor, but there are other options out there as well. Buy them pre-made from the store, or make them in advance from scratch.
Regardless of what side you choose to serve, one thing is for certain: this is a meal that will delight your family inside and out. They'll be asking for it again and again, so make sure to keep this recipe handy! We hope you enjoy this dinner.
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Shrimp and Feta Scampi Recipe
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 14 minutes
Description
Shrimp scampi refers to the preparation of the shrimp itself, but it so often served with pasta that it goes without saying that, when ordering this in restaurants, you will be getting the pasta and fish classic.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounces) package spaghetti
- 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined Shrimp
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen snow peas or fresh sugar snap peas
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat olive oil vinaigrette
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
Instructions
- Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add pasta, and cook, uncovered, 9 minutes.
- Add shrimp; cook, uncovered, 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
- Place pea pods in a colander. Drain pasta and shrimp over pea pods.
- Transfer mixture to a large serving bowl.
- Add onions, vinaigrette, and pepper; toss lightly. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 9 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/LauriPatterson.