Explore the savory depths and spicy accents of this Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its rich, bold flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a lavish gathering, this recipe marries the classic elegance of shrimp scampi with the trendy zest of chili crisp. Brace yourself for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of uncooked thin spaghetti
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound medium (36-40 count) peeled shrimp
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup chili crisp sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, as per taste
- Ground black pepper, as per taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the thin spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10 minutes.
- Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use and then drain the spaghetti. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add half of the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Avoid burning the garlic for optimal flavor.
- Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauce Preparation:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the rest of the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Stir in the chili crisp sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Finalizing the Dish:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss with the spaghetti. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and well combined.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
- Serve hot: Plate the Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an added zesty flavor.
This Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi is not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the spicy chili crisp with the juicy succulence of the shrimp, all intertwined with the al dente spaghetti. It’s perfectly suited for those days when you crave something uniquely delicious. Bon Appétit!
Additional Tips:
- For an extra kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the chili crisp sauce.
- You can substitute thin spaghetti with any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
- Customize the dish to your preference by adjusting the amount of chili crisp sauce used.
- This recipe is versatile and can be made with other protein options such as