Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates a rich and savory sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your choice of pasta or additional ingredients like vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- ½ cup butter
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and minced garlic; cook until the shrimp turn pink, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the white wine and add ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for about 30 seconds.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to ensure it's evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta and shrimp to serving plates. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicy twist.
- Vegetable Addition: Include vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus to enhance the dish's nutritional value and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for shrimp scampi?
While angel hair pasta is traditional, linguine or spaghetti are also excellent choices.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What can I substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice is a good non-alcoholic alternative.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Is it okay to leave the tails on the shrimp?
Leaving the tails on adds visual appeal, but for ease of eating, you may remove them before cooking.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the drained pasta with a small amount of olive oil if not adding it to the sauce immediately.
Can I add cheese to shrimp scampi?
Yes, grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful flavor to the dish.
What's the best way to reheat shrimp scampi?
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or olive oil to maintain texture and flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Letting the sauce simmer a bit longer will reduce and thicken it naturally.
Can I prepare shrimp scampi in advance?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a rich buttery sauce. Its simplicity and elegance make it a favorite for any occasion. Enjoy this classic recipe with your preferred pasta and savor the harmonious blend of tastes.
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with al dente pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- ½ cup butter
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente (about 4 to 5 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
-
Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and minced garlic, cooking until shrimp turn pink (about 3 to 5 minutes).
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in white wine and add ground black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for about 30 seconds.
-
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat in the sauce.
-
Serve:
- Transfer pasta and shrimp to serving plates.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Enhance nutrition by adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or olive oil.