There’s something magical about cooking Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta that brings me pure joy. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter fills my kitchen, instantly making it feel like a cozy Italian trattoria. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together in just 25 minutes! I remember the first time I made it for my family. They were blown away by how quickly I whipped it up and how delicious it tasted. The combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a light, zesty sauce is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta never fails to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta for a delightful base.
1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances flavor and helps cook the shrimp.
4 garlic cloves: Minced for that aromatic kick.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds depth to the sauce.
Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish with freshness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish and flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving, to add a savory finish.
How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta
Preparing Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta is a delightful experience that comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into the process and create a dish that will impress everyone at your table!
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial for flavoring the pasta. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce later on. Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp.
Sautéing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and, if you like a bit of heat, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This step is key to achieving perfectly cooked shrimp!
Creating the Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and the juice of 1 lemon. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. The aroma will be heavenly, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. The starchy water will help bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Your Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta is ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and shrimp creates a mouthwatering dish.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite pasta or additional veggies.
Impressive Presentation: A beautiful dish that’s sure to wow your family and guests.
Tips for Success
To make your Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta truly shine, here are some pro tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and high-quality olive oil make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp; they cook quickly and should be just pink and opaque.
Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add a unique twist to the dish.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after cooking for optimal taste.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta, you can savor the flavors without guilt. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoy this delicious dish knowing it’s a balanced option for your meal!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
What type of pasta works best? Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices, but feel free to use any pasta you love!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Is there a vegetarian version? Yes! Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta? A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of your Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta, storing them properly is key to maintaining flavor. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra olive oil to help loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta is a delightful seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp with pasta in a light, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Serve immediately for best flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
