Indulge in the exquisite flavors of shrimp scampi pasta, a delightful dish that brings together perfectly cooked shrimp, aromatic garlic, and al dente pasta, all tossed in a rich buttery sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces spaghetti
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value per serving (1/4 of the recipe) includes approximately 450 calories, 25g of protein, 15g of carbohydrates, and 30g of fat. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. 3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. 4. Add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through. 5. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter until melted. 6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet; toss to coat in the sauce. 7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. 8. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to taste. 9. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. 10. Enjoy your delicious shrimp scampi pasta! 
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti. For a lighter option, consider using zucchini noodles. You can also swap out shrimp for scallops or chicken if desired.
Serving and Pairings
Shrimp scampi pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine. For added freshness, consider serving it with lemon wedges.
Storage and Reheating
To store shrimp scampi pasta, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be just pink and firm. – Do not skip the lemon juice; it brightens the dish. – Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. – Make sure your pasta is well-drained to prevent a watery sauce. – Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Helpful Tips
– Use high-quality shrimp for better flavor. – Prepare ingredients ahead of time for a smooth cooking process. – Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for added depth. – Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency. 
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they’re thawed completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What type of pasta is best for shrimp scampi?
While spaghetti is traditional, linguine or fettuccine also work great due to their ability to hold sauce.
Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional lemon juice or broth.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually taking about 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I add vegetables to shrimp scampi pasta?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Shrimp scampi pasta is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with delicious flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the fresh ingredients and the ease of preparation, making it a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
- Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter until melted.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet; toss to coat in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious shrimp scampi pasta!
Nutrition
