This Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a seafood lover’s dream! With juicy shrimp and tender lobster tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, it’s truly special.
Honestly, the aroma alone will make your mouth water. I love serving it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lobster Meat: Fresh lobster gives the best flavor, but you can use frozen lobster meat if fresh isn’t available. Canned lobster works too, just be sure to drain it well before using.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal, but you could use smaller ones or even shrimp substitutes like scallops or crab if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti are classic options for this dish. If you’re looking for gluten-free alternatives, try zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Butter and Olive Oil: A mix of both enriches the sauce. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or a bit more olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.
White Wine: For the wine, choose a good-quality dry white like Sauvignon Blanc. If you’d rather skip the alcohol, seafood broth works wonderfully as a substitute.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Shrimp?
The shrimp is a star here, and cooking it right is essential! Here’s how to get perfectly cooked shrimp:
- Start with a hot skillet. Medium heat is ideal.
- Cook shrimp in a single layer, giving them space. This helps them cook evenly.
- It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. When they’re pink and opaque, they’re done!
- Remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re cooked to prevent overcooking.
Remember, shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them! Overcooking makes them rubbery, and no one wants that!
How to Make Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Seafood:
- 8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or seafood broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lobster Shrimp Scampi takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, and then about 15 minutes making the sauce and combining everything together. It’s quick and perfect for a special weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. This will help loosen your sauce later.
2. Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let the butter melt until it’s bubbly but not burnt.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the finely minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until your kitchen is filled with that delicious aroma—but be careful not to let the garlic brown!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a lovely pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the white wine (or seafood broth) and lemon juice. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, which enhances the flavor.
6. Combine the Flavors:
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts, creating a silky sauce that coats everything beautifully.
7. Add Shrimp and Lobster:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and gently toss in the chopped lobster meat. Stir everything together so that the seafood is mixed well in the sauce.
8. Toss with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
9. Final Touches:
Mix in the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a final toss to combine all the flavors beautifully.
10. Serve:
Your Lobster Shrimp Scampi is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately, garnished with some extra parsley or lemon wedges on the side for an added touch.
Enjoy every delicious bite with a chilled glass of white wine or your favorite side! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Seafood?
Yes, you can! If using frozen lobster meat or shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker method.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. Alternatively, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep most of the ingredients in advance! Cook the pasta and make the sauce up to 1 day ahead, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce, then toss in the seafood and pasta.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.