There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of sizzling garlic and tender shrimp wafting through your kitchen. Instantaneously, it beckons you to indulge in a comforting plate of shrimp scampi with pasta! Just imagine twirling that perfectly al dente spaghetti around your fork while the rich buttery sauce coats each strand like a warm hug.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi with pasta?
- What type of pasta works best for this dish?
- How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi for my family. It was a spontaneous Tuesday night dinner that turned into an occasion worth celebrating. The joy on their faces as they savored each bite was enough to declare me the unofficial “Shrimp Scampi Queen” in our household!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful shrimp scampi with pasta is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor
- The dish is visually stunning and garnished beautifully for any occasion
- Perfect for date nights or cozy family dinners, it’s versatile enough to satisfy everyone’s cravings
Sometimes when I whip up this dish, I can still hear my brother’s exaggerated “Mmm!” echoing through the kitchen as he devours his third helping—talk about motivation to keep making it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp for a juicy texture; fresh or frozen works great as long as they’re deveined.
- Pasta: Spaghetti is classic here; feel free to substitute with linguine or fettuccine if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties unless you want a bland outcome.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness; it adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the dish beautifully; bottled versions just don’t cut it.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; don’t skip this garnish—it makes all the difference!
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add these for some heat; adjust based on how spicy you like your food!
- White Wine: A splash enhances flavor depth; choose one you’d enjoy drinking—no cooking wine allowed!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Follow these steps to create your own scrumptious shrimp scampi with pasta:
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then add shrimp.
Add White Wine: Once shrimp turn pink (about 2-3 minutes), pour in white wine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so flavors meld together beautifully.
Finish the Sauce: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pan along with red pepper flakes. Stir everything together while letting it bubble gently for another minute.
Toss in Pasta: Add cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until noodles are well coated in that luscious sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for zest!
And there you have it—a heavenly plate of shrimp scampi with pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- The secret to a great shrimp scampi with pasta lies in the freshness of your shrimp and the right balance of garlic and butter
- This dish is a quick, elegant meal perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in butter, then add the shrimp until they turn pink. Cook pasta separately, then combine everything for a perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add veggies like spinach for extra color and flavor. A dash of lemon zest adds brightness too.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen can work but lacks that sweetness
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp, as they can become rubbery quickly
- Using high-quality pasta makes a noticeable difference in texture and taste
I still remember the first time I made shrimp scampi with pasta for my family. They raved about it, insisting I should open a restaurant!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi with pasta?
Yes, but fresh shrimp will yield better flavor and texture.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices that pair beautifully with shrimp scampi.
How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery?
Cook them just until pink; overcooking leads to chewiness in shrimp.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a delectable dish featuring plump shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with al dente spaghetti and a splash of white wine. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, deveined
- 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine/fettuccine)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup white wine
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and let simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes, cooking gently for another minute.
- Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, ensuring noodles are well-coated in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
