There’s something simply irresistible about a classic shrimp scampi pasta recipe. It’s a dish that beautifully marries succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all served over perfectly al dente spaghetti. What I love most is how quickly it comes together—ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without slaving away in the kitchen! Trust me, this dish feels utterly elegant while being remarkably easy to whip up. With each twirl of pasta, you get a burst of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Ready to dive into this delightful culinary adventure? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
How to Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that spaghetti cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is key for flavor. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite to it. My secret? Taste it a minute or two before the timer goes off to make sure it’s just right! Once done, drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it. You want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling later.
Preparing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let that butter melt and foam up into a delicious golden concoction! Then, toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this aromatic mix for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we don’t want that! Now, it’s time to add your 1 lb of large shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. That’s how you know they’re perfectly cooked!
Creating the Sauce
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces by half. This step is crucial because it intensifies the flavor! After that, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the juice of 1 lemon. Watch as the sauce becomes silky and luscious—this is where all the magic happens! The acidity from the lemon brightens everything up beautifully.
Combining Ingredients
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, and sprinkle in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. Give it a gentle toss to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in that rich, garlicky sauce. It’s all about that even distribution of flavors. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve it hot, and watch everyone dig in with delight!
Nutritional Information
When enjoying this shrimp scampi pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Each serving, based on typical ingredient use, contains approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, and 25g of protein. You’ll also get around 50g of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal. With just 1g of sugar and 600mg of sodium, this dish can fit nicely into a balanced diet. Just remember, these values can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients you use, so it’s always good to check if you’re keeping a close eye on your nutritional intake. Happy cooking!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your shrimp scampi pasta, start with the freshest shrimp you can find—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor! Don’t skimp on the quality of your olive oil, either; a good extra virgin olive oil adds depth to the dish. When cooking, make sure your garlic is sautéed just until fragrant; overcooking it can lead to bitterness. And remember, timing is everything! Have your pasta ready to go as you finish the sauce to keep everything hot and perfectly combined. Lastly, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving adds a delightful kick!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving shrimp scampi pasta, think light and bright! A crisp, mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, some garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. For a touch of elegance, finish your plate with a sprinkle of extra parsley or a few lemon wedges for that pop of color. And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors perfectly. Enjoy every bite!
Variations on the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
One of the best things about this shrimp scampi pasta recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily switch up the pasta by using linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist. Want to add a pop of color and nutrition? Toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach during the last minute of cooking for added freshness. If you’re looking for a bit more heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or even add a splash of your favorite hot sauce. For a unique flavor profile, try substituting the white wine with a splash of lemon-infused olive oil. Get creative and make it your own!
FAQ About Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Fresh is always better, but frozen shrimp can work in a pinch!
What type of pasta works best? While I love spaghetti, you can use any long pasta, like linguine or fettuccine. The key is to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? I wouldn’t recommend it, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. But you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook it fresh for the best flavor!
What wine should I use? A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is perfect for cooking and pairing. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the dish’s flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe: 5 Steps to Perfect Flavor!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A classic shrimp scampi pasta recipe featuring succulent shrimp in a garlic butter sauce served over al dente pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink.
- Pour in white wine, simmer until reduced by half.
- Stir in remaining butter and lemon juice until melted.
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and parsley; mix well.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic and red pepper flakes for desired heat.
- Pair with a crisp white wine for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi pasta recipe
