April 29th is National Shrimp Scampi Day! On your way home from work stop by your grocers for fresh shrimp, garlic and your favorite pasta. This recipe is easy to prepare and it is a delight to eat. It pairs nicely with a white fruity wine. Serve it with salad for a balanced meal.
Shrimp Scampi & Pasta
1 Lb fresh large shrimp (frozen may be substituted)
1 whole garlic bulb (shucked and pressed)
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 small sweet pepper (yellow or red) (thinly sliced then cut into fifths)
1 yellow onion (diced)
1/2 cup white wine
1 sprig flat leaf parsley (chopped)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 cups of your favorite dried pasta (or ¾ box spaghetti)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
salt & ground pepper (to taste)
1/3 cup Parmesan or Romano Cheese (grated)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Instructions
1) Boil sufficient water for pasta and cook according to box directions. Salt boiling water, add pasta, save a little water after draining
2) Devein shrimp, leaving the tail piece intact, rinse and allow to drain excess water using a strainer
3) Prepare the garlic, onion and pepper
4) Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet and add the onion and sweet pepper, toss and cook part-way
5) Add wine, garlic and lemon juice
6) Add shrimp and cook about 1 minute on each side, then for another 30 to 60 seconds Remove from heat immediately do not overcook!
7) Drain pasta, toss in large bowl with butter, salt & pepper
Add shrimp scampi to pasta and toss and add a little pasta water in if needed
9) Sprinkle the top with grated cheese and parsley
Serve immediately and enjoy! Serves four.