Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini and Pasta

A perfect summer meal, in my opinion.  Nothing is worse than having to use the oven and multiple burners when its 95 degrees outside and the air conditioning is working hard to keep the apartment cool.  This recipe is incredibly simple, it only uses two burners, is quick, and the only real cooking technique you need to know is how to devein and clean shrimp.  If you don't know how to devein shrimp, you can use precooked, but it won't taste as good as the shrimp will be too chewy since you want to sautee them in butter.  There is a short video here on how to devein shrimp, definitely worth learning how to do this if you love to eat shrimp.

Recipe: Summer Shrimp Scampi
Serves 2 - 1 lb of fresh shelled and deveined shrimp
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 Tbs lemon juice
- 1 Tbs fresh Parsley
- 1 medium Zucchini, chopped and quartered
- 1 medium Red Pepper, chopped and quartered
- 1/2 cup halved red grape Tomatoes
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Parmesan Cheese
- Half box of linguini pasta, cooked

Devein and clean the shrimp, saute in butter for about 3-5 min stiring frequently.  Add garlic, white wine and lemon juice, saute further until sauce reduces about 3 min.  Set aside in a large bowl.  Add oil to pan and set to medium low heat.  Add zucchini and peppers, saute for about 4-5 min stiring frequently.  Add tomatoes, and parsley to pan and continue to saute for another 2 min.  Combine cooked vegetables in large bowl with shrimp and pasta, stir to combine.  Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy.

All in all a very healthy and easy recipe.  If you don't have shrimp, or want to try something different, Scallops can be substitued.

- Dan