Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe Quick Delicious Dish

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of shrimp scampi pasta that just wraps you in a cozy embrace, isn’t there? I can still remember the first time I tasted it. It was a breezy summer evening, and my dear friend Lucia invited me over for dinner. As I walked into her kitchen, the intoxicating aroma of garlic and butter wafted through the air, dancing with the sound of laughter. She served us generous plates of spaghetti tossed with tender shrimp, herbs, and lemon, and I knew right then that this dish would forever hold a special place in my heart. Fast forward to today, and I can’t wait to share my take on this classic dish with you: my delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta!

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, flavorful, and elevates the humble pasta experience to something truly special. Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Comforting Flavors: Rich garlic butter sauce meets tender shrimp for a heavenly taste.
• Simple Ingredients: All you need are pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
• Impressive Presentation: Looks and tastes like a fancy restaurant dish; your family will be wowed!
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with different herbs or add veggies!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Shrimp Scampi Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional, but oh-so-good!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into making this scrumptious dish step by step!

1. Cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set aside.
2. Season the shrimp. While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the garlic. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the shrimp. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Deglaze the skillet. Carefully pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those flavorful bits. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add lemon juice and parsley. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet and stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Combine everything. Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together; if the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finish by stirring in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined.
8. Taste and adjust. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a bit more lemon juice if you love that zing!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, I’d love to share a few fun twists and tricks to take your Shrimp Scampi Pasta to the next level:

• Herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor.
• Veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition!
• Spices: For a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin.
• Diet Swaps: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs.
• Seafood Mix: Feel free to add scallops or even crab meat for a luxurious twist.

Serving Suggestions

Alright, dish is done, and it’s time to enjoy! I love serving my Shrimp Scampi Pasta with a crunchy side salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors. Pair it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that rich garlic butter sauce. You could even pop open a nice bottle of white wine; it just elevates the whole experience! And don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan on top—because cheese makes everything better, right?

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which might be a rarity), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze the shrimp scampi pasta, however, the shrimp texture might change. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated through to avoid overcooking the shrimp again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking for the best texture and flavor. You can place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water until thawed.

What wine should I use for the sauce?

Any dry white wine works wonderfully! Look for a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re not a wine drinker, chicken broth is a great substitute.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some ingredients in advance—like chopping the garlic, herbs, and even cooking the pasta. Do keep in mind that the shrimp is best cooked right before serving!

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat mostly depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to cut back or leave them out entirely. You’ll still have that delicious garlic flavor!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my dear friend—my cozy and comforting Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe! I hope you give it a try and discover just how delightful it is to whip up in your own kitchen. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any fun variations? What did you serve it with? Drop a comment and let’s chat about it! Happy cooking and bon appétit!

Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe Quick Delicious Dish

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a quick delicious shrimp pasta dish with our scampi recipe Perfect for a weeknight dinner Enjoy flavors that impress 155 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz of spaghetti or linguine

1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

1/2 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Carefully pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet and stir in the chopped parsley.

Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finish by stirring in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Notes

A delightful Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe that’s quick, comforting, and packed with rich garlic butter flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 70 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Recipes, Italian Cuisine