Oven-Roasted Shrimp Scampi

• Servings: 4.

Shrimp scampi is a classic combination of shrimp, garlic, butter and lemon.  Add this to pasta or serve with salad and chunks of fresh bread and it's a perfect weeknight supper.

In this cooking method, garlic, oil and butter are quickly pre-heated in the oven and then the shrimp are added, completely cooking in an additional 7 minutes.

This recipe method keeps the top of the stove -- and your hands -- free for other cooking.  And if you keep a bag of frozen shrimp in your freezer, this dish can be entirely made from your pantry with little notice and in less than an hour, from freezer to dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed with the side of a chef's knife
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 medium lemon)
• 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Peel and devein the shrimp.
2. Preheat the oven to 425º F.
3. In a medium baking dish, place the garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil and butter and place the baking dish in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, or until the butter is completely melted.
4. Add the cleaned shrimp to the hot baking dish and carefully (because the oil is hot) move around so that both sides are coated.
5. Bake for about 7 minutes until the shrimp are opaque, cooked through, and tender (if you use smaller or larger shrimp, this may change the cooking time to less or more than 7 minutes).
6. Remove from the oven, drizzle with the lemon juice, sprinkle with the chopped parsley, and stir to coat.
7. Serve immediately either with pasta or with chunks of fresh bread.