Description
Shrimp scampi is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a luscious blend of garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and smoked turkey bacon. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances bright, savory notes with a light yet satisfying feel. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort, it pairs beautifully with linguine, zucchini noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- Plant-based cheese, for topping (optional)
Optional Variations
- Zucchini noodles instead of pasta
- Smoked turkey slices instead of smoked turkey bacon
- Fresh basil instead of parsley
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grape juice as alternative to lemon juice
- Natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary, then pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Lightly season with salt and pepper to build flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped smoked turkey bacon. Cook until crispy and browned, releasing smoky, savory notes to infuse the dish.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic. Cook gently until fragrant and golden without burning. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Add Shrimp and Cook Through: Increase the heat slightly, add the shrimp to the pan, and sauté until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on size. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Deglaze with Lemon Juice and Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Pour fresh lemon juice and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. This step adds bright acidity and rich umami to the silky sauce.
- Toss with Fresh Herbs and Pasta: Add chopped parsley and cooked linguine or spaghetti, tossing well to coat each strand and bring the dish to life with inviting scents and colors.
- Serve Warm and Garnish: Transfer to plates and garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of plant-based cheese, or lemon wedges for squeezing at the table to add freshness.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; just a few minutes per side is enough.
- Use fresh garlic cloves for a vibrant aroma and depth that garlic powder can’t replicate.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and enhanced flavor.
- Toss pasta well in the reserved sauce so every bite is flavorful and moist.
- Add a natural gelling agent if you want a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta without heaviness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp, quick seafood pasta, lemon shrimp, smoked turkey bacon shrimp, easy shrimp recipe