Welcome to my kitchen, where flavors come alive! Today, I’m sharing a quick and delightful recipe for Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress your family or guests. Plus, this dish bakes on one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Get ready to savor the rich garlic butter, fresh shrimp, and zesty lemon all in one go. Let’s dive in and cook up some magic!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving
The key to a great Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in the fresh ingredients. Large shrimp bring a sweet flavor and firm texture. Linguine or spaghetti adds heartiness. Unsalted butter provides richness, while garlic adds a sharp kick. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish.
Red pepper flakes give a bit of heat, which you can adjust. Cherry tomatoes offer a burst of sweetness, while parsley adds freshness. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Don’t forget the lemon wedges for extra zing when serving!
Gather these ingredients, and you will be on your way to a delightful meal. Each item plays a role in creating a tasty dish. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the delicious results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the sheet pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting the shrimp just right. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later.
2. Cook the linguine or spaghetti
In a big pot of salted boiling water, cook 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Garlic Butter Mixture
1. Melt butter and sauté garlic and seasonings
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant and flavorful. Remove it from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Baking the Shrimp
1. Arrange shrimp and tomatoes on the sheet pan
On your prepared sheet pan, spread out 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over everything. Toss gently to coat the shrimp and tomatoes evenly.
2. Bake instructions and timing
Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. This is when they are at their best.
Combining Ingredients
1. Toss cooked linguine with shrimp and garnish
After baking, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Add the cooked linguine to the pan. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients. For a fresh touch, garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your dish!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– How to ensure shrimp is perfectly cooked
Cook shrimp for just 8-10 minutes. Shrimp turn pink when done. They should be opaque, not rubbery. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Keep an eye on them!
– Adjusting spice levels for your taste
Start with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you like heat, add more. For less spice, reduce the amount. Taste before serving to find the right balance.
Serving Suggestions
– Ideal pairings with side dishes or salads
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad. A simple Caesar or mixed greens works well. Garlic bread complements the meal nicely. It soaks up the buttery sauce!
– Best wine or beverage complements
A chilled white wine suits this dish best. Try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For non-alcoholic options, serve sparkling water with lemon. It refreshes the palate.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
For a fun twist, try different pasta types. You can use penne or fusilli instead of linguine or spaghetti. These shapes hold sauce well and add variety.
If shrimp isn’t your thing, you have options. You can substitute shrimp with scallops or even chicken. Both options will give you a tasty dish.
Seasonal Adjustments
Using seasonal veggies can elevate your dish. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, try butternut squash or kale. These veggies add flavor and color.
You can also change flavors to fit different cuisines. For a spicy kick, use a dash of curry powder or smoked paprika. To make it Italian, add basil or oregano in place of parsley. Adjust these flavors to match your mood or the season.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Use an airtight container. Place the shrimp scampi and pasta together. This keeps the flavors mixed and fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option.
Reheating Tips
To reheat shrimp scampi, you have a few great options. The best way is to use a stovetop pan. Heat it on low with a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the shrimp moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a bit of water. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid overcooking the shrimp. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as the first time!
FAQs
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options that taste great. Ensure your butter and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 20 minutes. This will help them cook evenly.
What other pasta types work in this recipe?
You can use any pasta you like! Some good choices are fettuccine, penne, or even zoodles. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you use.
How can I make this dish dairy-free or vegan?
To make this dish dairy-free or vegan, use olive oil in place of butter. You can also use a vegan butter substitute. For added flavor, try using nutritional yeast.
This blog post covered a simple yet tasty shrimp dish. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can adjust spice levels and try different pasta types. Seasonal swaps can also enhance your meal. With the right storage and reheating tips, leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy cooking this dish and make it your own. Try new variations and impress your friends and family!
