Let’s talk comfort food. I’m talking about that dish you crave after a long day, the one that makes everyone gather around you. The table with happy faces.Shrimp scampi PastaWhat’s your favorite shrimp scampi? What is the best pasta to eat? It’s faster than making lasagna, and honestly, sometimes even more satisfying. I have been making this recipe for years and it’s one I always come back to. I promise, once you try it, you will too!
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What is Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Think of it as a beautiful marriage between classic Italian comfort and seafood indulgence. What is a shrimp sautéed in butter sauce then tossed with pasta?Shrimp scampi PastaIs its simplicity. You’re not dealing with complicated sauces or hours of simmering. Is it a healthy snack that comes together in under 30 minutes? The name “scampi” refers to a type of small lobster, but here in the US, we usually use shrimp. I think shrimp works even better because it cooks so quickly and soaks up all that delicious garlic.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why is there so many reasons for this.Shrimp scampi Pasta recipe is a winner. What I love most about it is that it’s so incredibly flavorful. The garlic butter sauce is rich and decadent, the shrimp are perfectly cooked and tender, and the pasta provides the perfect base for all that deliciousness.
But beyond the flavor, this recipe is also unbelievably simple to make. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I can usually whip it up in the time it takes to boil the pasta. Plus, it’s relatively cost-effective. Shrimp can be a bit pricey, but you don’t need a ton to make this dish satisfying. You can often find good deals on frozen shrimp, which works perfectly well in this recipe.
And lastly, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat, toss in some spinach or asparagus for added nutrients, or use a different type of pasta. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! I sometimes compare it to other quick pasta dishes like Aglio e Olio, but honestly, I prefer this because it has that lovely protein kick from the shrimp.
How do I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Quick Overview
Making Shrimp Scampi Pasta.Is it easier to cook pasta al dente? While the pasta is cooking, you’ll sauté the shrimp in garlic butter until they’re pink and cooked through. What’s the best way to serve pasta with shrimp and sauce? What is the best way to prepare a delicious meal in 20-30 minutes? What’s the best part about cleaning?
Ingredients
For the Shrimp: What is the
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer to leave the tails on for presentation, but I don’t want to eat them). What’s up to you? ) * 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted * 6 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic! ) * 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio – or chicken broth if you prefer) 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley * 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper * What are some good pepper flakes to add to a dish?
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound linguine pasta (or spaghetti, fettuccine – whatever your favorite long pasta is! ). ) * 2 tablespoons olive oil * Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving.
How do I follow
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water – you might need it later to adjust the pasta. What is sauce’s
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic? I always keep the heat on the lower side for this step.
Step 3: Add the Wine (or Broth)
Then pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a minute or two. Does alcohol evaporate? How do I make a more complex sauce? If you’re using broth, just simmer for about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and tender. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery! I always watch them closely – they cook really fast!
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Parsley
How do you stir together lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes? I usually add a generous pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Toss with Pasta
I drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. I usually need about 1/4 cup or so.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese. What are some good ways to add fresh parsley to your salad?
What should I serve it with?
This Shrimp scampi PastaWhat are some of the best ways to round out a meal?What is a good weeknight dinner?What is the best side salad to serve with pasta? I often toss mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, and a little salt and pepper.For a More Elegant Meal:Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce. A glass of chilled white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the shrimp.For a Crowd:This recipe is easy to double or triple, making it perfect for a party or gathering. Can you serve it as part of a larger Italian feast, alongside dishes like lasagna, garlic, etc? What is Caprese salad? My family loves when I make a big batch of this for our annual summer barbecue!
How do I make shrimp scampi pasta?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this.Shrimp scampi Pasta recipe.
What is the quality ofWhat is the freshest shrimp you can find? If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels. If you are using fresh shrimp make certain to cover the surface with a towel. How do you remove excess moisture from a towel? How do you brown shrimp in a skillet?Garlic: Don’t burn the garlic! Sauté it gently over medium-low heat until fragrant, but not browned. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. I’ve made that mistake more than once!
Wine (or Broth): WhatIf you don’t have white wine on hand, chicken broth is a good substitute. Just be sure to use a good quality broth. I find that using a little bit of broth even gives the dish an subtle sweetness.Lemon Juice:Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for adding brightness and acidity to the sauce. Don’t use bottled lemon juice – it just tastes bad!Pasta Water:Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! How do you thin out the sauce? I once forgot to do this and the sauce was way too thick. Lesson learned!Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most important tip! Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and unpleasant. Cook the shrimp just until they’re pink and opaque. They should still be slightly tender to the touch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the shrimp can become rubbery and the pasta can become mushy. However, if you must freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe container and thaw it completely before reheating. It’s best to eat it within a month.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no actual glaze, don’t glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta is truly a recipe that deserves a spot in everyone’s repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a dish that everyone in my family loves, which is always a win! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, elegant dinner parties, or just a cozy night in. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick pasta dishes!
I really hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as we do. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight: A Taste of the Sea
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked al dente
- 1 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup fresh basil chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all ingredients and measure them in advance.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Steps
- In a large pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Pour wine into the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Let it simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add remaining butter, allowing it to melt. Add cherry tomatoes and basil, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the pan, along with cooked spaghetti. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
