The aroma wafting from the kitchen as you prepare shrimp scampi pasta is nothing short of culinary magic. Picture this: succulent shrimp sizzling in a buttery garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds while twirl-worthy strands of perfectly cooked pasta await their moment of glory.
Now imagine sharing this delightful dish with family or friends on a cozy evening. The laughter, the stories shared over plates piled high with shrimp scampi pasta create memories that linger long after the last forkful is devoured.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This flavorful dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich garlic and lemon sauce creates an irresistible flavor combination
- It looks stunning on any table with its vibrant colors and fresh herbs
- Versatile enough to serve at intimate dinners or casual gatherings
I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi pasta; my friends were gobbling it up like they hadn’t eaten in days! The delighted faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease.
- Pasta: Spaghetti works wonderfully here, but feel free to use your favorite type.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor; minced garlic will deliver the best results.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish beautifully; bottled juice doesn’t hold a candle.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and enhance that rich flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also freshens up the flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds heat without overpowering the dish; adjust according to taste.
- Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce; low-sodium is preferable for better control over salt levels.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances richness and helps sauté those aromatic ingredients beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water for later.
Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant—around 1-2 minutes—be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes—stirring occasionally so they cook evenly.
Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice while scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to meld those fabulous flavors.
Toss Everything Together: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with chopped parsley. If it’s too dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
Serve Hot: Plate your shrimp scampi pasta immediately while it’s hot! Garnish with more parsley or even some grated parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.
With each bite of this deliciously simple dish bursting with garlic-lemon goodness, you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t make it sooner! Enjoy your culinary adventure as you savor every twirl of this classic Italian delight!
You Must Know
- This shrimp scampi pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser, bursting with garlic and lemon flavors
- Pair it with fresh herbs for an aromatic twist
- The dish offers delightful textures, with tender shrimp and al dente pasta that will make your taste buds dance
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta first; meanwhile, sauté the garlic and shrimp until golden. This ensures everything is hot when served, maximizing flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add spinach for extra color and nutrition. Experimenting can elevate this dish to new flavor heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat while adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve restaurant-quality results, always use fresh shrimp instead of frozen
- Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just opaque and tender
- Remember, garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it while sautéing!
Cooking this shrimp scampi pasta reminds me of my first dinner party where I nervously served my friends. Their delighted faces were priceless!
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for shrimp scampi pasta?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal as they hold up well during cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain optimal texture and flavors.
What sides pair well with shrimp scampi pasta?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully for a complete meal.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- 2. Sauté garlic and red pepper: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- 3. Cook shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4. Create sauce: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- 5. Combine everything: Toss drained spaghetti with the shrimp mixture and chopped parsley. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- 6. Serve hot: Plate immediately, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding spinach or substituting shrimp with scallops.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be tender and just opaque.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 180mg