Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
If you’re in search of a dinner that’s both special and simple, Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is your new best friend. This unforgettable dish features plump shrimp nestled in a garlicky, lemony sauce, tangled with silky linguine and finished with fragrant parsley. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily enough for a busy weeknight, making it a perennial favorite at my table. Trust me, once you experience the magic of Shrimp Scampi with Pasta, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Shrimp Scampi with Pasta lies in its handful of straightforward ingredients, each one pulling its weight in the flavor department. With the right pantry staples and a vibrant pop of freshness, this dish transforms everyday items into something unmistakably special.
- Linguine pasta: The broad, silky noodles are perfect for soaking up the zesty scampi sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and lends that classic, luxurious texture to the sauce.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings a fruity undertone, combining with butter for depth and shine.
- Shallots: More delicate than onion, shallots add subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Garlic: The undeniable star for that savory, irresistible aroma we all crave in scampi.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a lovely kick—don’t skip it!
- Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the juiciest, most satisfying bites.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Dry white wine: Adds brightness and pulls the sauce together beautifully; choose something you’d also enjoy drinking.
- Lemon juice: For zippy freshness and balance, the acidity wakes up every other flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Delivers a final herbal flourish and a pop of color.
- Optional extra olive oil: A final drizzle for added gloss and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Gather All Ingredients
Before you start, get everything measured and ready to go. The actual cooking moves quickly, so having your ingredients chopped and at your fingertips helps avoid a scramble later!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in the linguine and cook just until al dente, which typically takes 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until the shallots soften and turn translucent, releasing that mouthwatering aroma, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Season your shrimp well with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Add them to the skillet, letting them sizzle until pink and just cooked through—about 2 to 3 minutes, flipping once or twice. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and keep warm while you build the sauce.
Step 5: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine and squeeze in your fresh lemon juice. Increase the heat, scraping up the savory bits stuck to the pan (they’re solid gold for flavor!). Let it bubble away for a minute or two to blend and reduce slightly.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Turn the heat to low, then melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter into the skillet, swirling gently. Stir in another 2 tablespoons olive oil and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, marrying all those beautiful flavors.
Step 7: Toss Everything Together
Add in your cooked linguine, reserved shrimp, and parsley. Toss everything so the noodles are glossy and each shrimp is coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with a final drizzle of olive oil, if desired, for that signature scampi sheen.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Dish up your Shrimp Scampi with Pasta while it’s piping hot, and get ready for compliments! The steamy noodles laced with garlicky lemon sauce are impossible to resist.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Garnishes
For a restaurant-style flourish, a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a quick grate of lemon zest on top brings brightness and color. If you’re feeling fancy, a twist of cracked black pepper seals the deal.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, or a basket of crusty bread for soaking up that luscious sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also add vibrant color and a light bite alongside the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Try twirling the linguine into little nests using tongs for a charming plated look, placing a few shrimp on top of each mound. Or, serve family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, convivial feel—either way, be ready for eager forks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Transfer your cooled Shrimp Scampi with Pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll hold its flavor and texture for up to two days, making a delightful lunch the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze Shrimp Scampi with Pasta, seafood can sometimes become a bit rubbery after thawing. If you do freeze it, seal well and use within a month for best quality—just note the delicate sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can toughen the shrimp—just warm through until hot.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine hugs the sauce perfectly, feel free to substitute spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair if you prefer a thinner noodle.
What’s the best wine to use for the sauce?
Choose a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a crisp Chardonnay. Avoid anything too sweet, as a dry style balances the rich butter and lemon.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta without wine?
Yes! If you want to skip the wine, a bit of chicken or seafood broth with an extra squeeze of lemon makes a great stand-in and brings plenty of flavor.
Do I have to use fresh shrimp?
While fresh shrimp delivers the best flavor, high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed before use) works wonderfully and makes Shrimp Scampi with Pasta weeknight-friendly all year round.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the pinch of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers. The heat will tingle against the buttery, garlicky sauce and make every bite pop.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Shrimp Scampi with Pasta a try soon! It’s a dish that never fails to impress and always disappears fast, whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive evening with friends. The fresh, punchy flavors and simple steps make it a winner time and again—happy cooking!
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Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta recipe is a classic seafood dish with a delicious twist. Tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic and white wine sauce, served over a bed of linguine pasta. It’s a perfect meal for a special dinner or a quick weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
Linguine Pasta:
- 1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
Shrimp Scampi:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
Instructions
- Gather ingredients.
- Melt butter and olive oil.
- Deglaze the pan.
- Finish and serve.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook linguine in boiling water until nearly tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain.
Cook and stir shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes until shallots are translucent. Season shrimp and cook until pink. Remove shrimp and keep warm.
Pour white wine and lemon juice into the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping the browned bits off the bottom. Add butter, olive oil, and parsley, then toss with linguine and shrimp.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauteing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Pasta, Seafood, Italian, Dinner
