Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a garlic-butter sauce, enhanced with a splash of white wine and a touch of lemon. It’s a dish that is both simple and sophisticated, making it perfect for both a quick weeknight meal and a special dinner occasion. The beauty of shrimp scampi lies in its simplicity; it allows the natural flavors of the shrimp and fresh ingredients to shine. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create this delightful dish, ensuring you capture the authentic taste and elegance of Shrimp Scampi with Pasta.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp: peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves: minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: optional, for a hint of heat
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- 1 lemon: juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: optional, for serving
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by ensuring your shrimp are properly peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and the alcohol to evaporate. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add great flavor to the sauce.
Step 6: Add Lemon and Season
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed. The combination of lemon and wine will give the sauce a bright and tangy flavor.
Step 7: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and give it one last toss. Transfer the Shrimp Scampi with Pasta to a serving platter or individual plates. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
About the Main Ingredients
Shrimp
Shrimp are a versatile and popular seafood choice, known for their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture. They are low in calories and high in protein, making them a healthy option for many dishes. When selecting shrimp, it’s important to choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture. For this recipe, large shrimp are ideal as they provide a satisfying bite and hold up well in the scampi sauce.
Garlic
Garlic is a fundamental ingredient in Shrimp Scampi, providing a rich, aromatic base for the sauce. Its pungent flavor mellows when sautéed, releasing a subtle sweetness that complements the shrimp and other ingredients. Garlic is also known for its numerous health benefits, including its antioxidant properties and ability to boost the immune system.
White Wine
White wine adds depth and complexity to the scampi sauce. It helps to deglaze the pan, lifting the flavorful bits left from cooking the shrimp, and contributes a slightly acidic note that balances the richness of the butter and olive oil. A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is recommended for its crisp, clean flavor.
Lemon
Lemon juice and zest bring a fresh, bright flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile of the Shrimp Scampi. The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, while the zest adds a fragrant citrus aroma. Lemons are also a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Parsley
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, herbaceous note to the Shrimp Scampi. It is often used as a garnish but also contributes to the overall flavor of the dish. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a fresh, clean taste that complements the other ingredients.
Pasta
Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices for Shrimp Scampi. These types of pasta have a smooth, even surface that allows the scampi sauce to cling well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Pasta serves as a neutral base that absorbs the rich, buttery sauce and enhances the overall dish.
