Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried shrimp scampi with pasta yet, you’re seriously missing out! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with succulent shrimp swimming in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made it—it was a last-minute dinner for some friends, and the aroma filled my kitchen in the most delightful way. Everyone was raving about it, and I couldn’t help but feel like a total rock star! The combination of garlic, lemon, and a splash of white wine creates a symphony of tastes that pairs perfectly with tender spaghetti. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s quick, satisfying, and will make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own home!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect base for our scampi, cooked al dente for that slight bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these beauties are the star of the show—fresh is best!
- 4 tbsp butter: For that rich, creamy flavor that makes everything better.
- 4 tbsp olive oil: Adds a lovely depth and helps sauté the shrimp to perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch that makes your mouth water.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Just the right kick to elevate the dish—adjust to your spice level!
- 1/2 cup white wine: A splash of acidity that brightens everything up.
- 1 lemon: Juiced for a zesty finish that balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup parsley: Chopped for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making shrimp scampi with pasta is super simple, and I promise it’ll be a hit. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s cook that spaghetti! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is crucial for flavor. Once it’s bubbling, add your 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. I always recommend tasting a strand to check for doneness. You don’t want it mushy, trust me! Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside, reserving a little bit of that pasta water for later just in case.
Sautéing the Shrimp
Now, let’s get to the star of the show—our shrimp! In a large skillet, heat up 4 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once that butter is melted and bubbly, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink—be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get tough! Using fresh shrimp makes all the difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on quality here!
Combining Ingredients
Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, it’s time to add the magic! Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, letting them sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and the juice of 1 lemon, allowing it to simmer for 2 minutes. This will create that luscious sauce we love! Finally, add your cooked spaghetti and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure each strand of pasta is coated in that heavenly sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voilà—dinner is served!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your shrimp scampi with pasta, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! First, always use the freshest shrimp you can find—it makes a world of difference in taste. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Next, don’t rush the sautéing process! Let the garlic cook just until fragrant; you want it to be golden, not burnt, to keep that lovely flavor. And here’s a little trick: if your sauce seems too thick, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finally, finish your dish with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for that fresh, bright flavor that’ll wow your guests. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying shrimp scampi with pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a good guideline for a delicious, satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making shrimp scampi with pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best tips:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps avoid any excess moisture that can dilute your delicious sauce.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries! You can substitute it with chicken broth or even a bit of lemon juice mixed with water. The key is to keep that zesty flavor alive!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
You bet! Just swap out the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and you’ll still have a fantastic meal that everyone can enjoy.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook quickly; they’re done when they turn a lovely pink and curl up slightly. If they look opaque, they’re ready to go!
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for a fresh twist and extra nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich in flavor with garlic, lemon, and buttery goodness that leaves you craving more.
- Using fresh shrimp elevates the dish and impresses your family or guests.
- Versatile—add your favorite vegetables to customize it to your liking!
- Perfectly satisfying while still feeling light and fresh on the palate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this scrumptious shrimp scampi with pasta (which I doubt because it’s so good!), here’s how to store and reheat it. First, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or a tiny bit of olive oil to help bring back that saucy goodness. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You could also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat—it can dry out! Enjoy your second round of deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions
To make your shrimp scampi with pasta truly a complete meal, I love to pair it with a light, refreshing salad. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan is a perfect complement! You could also serve some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop of that delicious buttery sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully and enhances the flavors of the dish. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Print
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: 5 Sensational Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp scampi with pasta is a flavorful dish featuring shrimp in a garlic, lemon, and butter sauce, served over pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmer for 2 minutes.
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and parsley, mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for spiciness.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta, seafood, Italian cuisine