Ingredients:

– 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup of butter
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 cup of champagne (or dry sparkling wine)
– 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Linguine or your choice of pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and start to bubble gently.

2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté them for about a minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

4. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, leaving the garlic and red pepper flakes in the pan.

5. Deglaze the skillet by carefully pouring in the champagne. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. Allow the champagne to simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify its flavors.

6. Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet, stirring them into the bubbly liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat each piece in the delightful champagne-infused sauce. Cook for an additional minute or until the shrimp are fully heated through.

8. Sprinkle the scampi with fresh parsley, fueling the dish with vibrant flavors and a pop of green color.

9. Serve the Champagne Shrimp Scampi immediately over a bed of al dente linguine or your preferred pasta. Pour any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Variations:

– Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
– Feel free to use any variety of pasta you prefer – from linguine to fettuccine or even angel hair. Gluten-free alternatives can also be used.
– For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding a handful of finely grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce as it reduces.
– If you want to make this dish alcohol-free, replace the champagne with a non-alcoholic sparkling white grape juice.
– Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or even a splash of cream for a richer sauce.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the captivating flavors of Champagne Shrimp Scampi this holiday season, and let its elegance and taste whisk you away to a bygone era of grand celebrations. Whether it’s a small family gathering or a grand affair, this dish will undoubtedly leave your guests with a taste of opulence and a story to tell. Enjoy!