What do you consider comfort foods? I usually think of soups as go to comfort foods, and I only typically crave soup in the cooler weather. There are not as many comfort foods I associate with the warmer weather that comes in the spring and summer. We have had some warmer weather this week here in Maryland, even though it is still February! Today it was in the 60s, and it felt great. However, it is still February, so bring the comfort food on! One food that I consider “warmer weather” comfort food is shrimp scampi with pasta. I typically do not do pasta much, but I do love shrimp scampi with pasta. This meal is one that you can make in less than 15 minutes, and it tastes great. If you are cutting carbs, you can eat lots of the shrimp with a sprinkle of Panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, and the carb lovers in the family can eat up all the pasta! If you are looking for an easy meal that is comforting, refreshing and satisfying, try this easy shrimp scampi over linguini pasta! Enjoy.
Recipe for Shrimp Scampi with Linguini
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces of uncooked linguine or spaghetti noodles
3 Tbsp. of unsalted butter
1 pound of frozen medium shrimp, thawed, deveined, and peeled
1/2 – 3/4 tsp. of crushed red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup of dry white wine or chicken stock
Zest of one lemon
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about one lemon)
A pinch or two of kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. of chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Panko bread crumbs, if desired
DIRECTIONS
Cook the pasta according to package directions. When it is finished cooking, drain in a colander.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp scampi. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-heat. Once it is melted, add in the shrimp, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp is pink (about 3 minutes). Then add in the wine or chicken stock and the lemon juice. Sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Give it a stir, then adjust the heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer. Once it comes to a simmer, remove from heat. Carefully add in the drained pasta, lemon zest, and parsley and toss.
Serve immediately. Top each serving with Parmesan cheese and Panko bread crumbs, if desired.
Makes approximately 4 servings.
Recipe Adapted from: Damn Delicious, originally from Closet Cooking
Make It and Bake It with Beth 