Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

Shrimp scampi pasta is like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with flavors that dance in your mouth. Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce, tossed with al dente pasta that soaks up every delicious drop. The aroma fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste before serving.

This dish holds a special place in my heart; I first made it for my best friend’s birthday dinner. As soon as I plated it, the look of sheer delight on her face was priceless. Shrimp scampi pasta is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a gathering. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

I remember the first time I prepared shrimp scampi pasta; my family couldn’t resist its enticing aroma and asked for seconds immediately.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite pasta; both work perfectly to hold onto the luscious sauce.

• Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled shrimp to ensure each bite is juicy and flavorful.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they bring a robust flavor that elevates the dish.

• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for a rich, creamy sauce; it makes all the difference.

• Olive Oil: A splash of good olive oil adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brings freshness to each bite.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Add these if you like a little heat; they provide just enough kick without overpowering.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare your kitchen and get ready for some magic! Follow these steps closely to whip up this delightful dish.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the fresh shrimp and cook until pink, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Add Lemon Juice and Seasonings: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp while stirring in red pepper flakes for an added zing. Let everything simmer together for another minute, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with shrimp. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually while tossing everything together until well combined and creamy.

Garnish and Serve!: Remove from heat; sprinkle fresh parsley over your masterpiece before serving. Don’t forget to plate it up beautifully—maybe even add an extra squeeze of lemon!

Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi pasta with friends or family while basking in their admiration; you deserve every bit of praise!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta first, then sauté the shrimp in garlic and butter for maximum flavor. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Personalize it to suit your taste preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shrimp scampi pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive its creamy sauce.

It was a chilly Friday evening when I decided to whip up this dish for my friends. The scent of garlic wafting through the air had them lining up at the kitchen door. Their delighted reactions made every stir of the pot worth it!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp scampi pasta?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?

Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorite type.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick that complements the garlic perfectly.

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Shrimp Scampi Pasta

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Shrimp scampi pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, offering an explosion of flavor that will impress your guests.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sauteing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté garlic and shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Toss in shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add lemon juice and seasonings: Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes; simmer for another minute.
4. Toss pasta with sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet, gradually mixing in reserved pasta water until creamy.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with an extra squeeze of lemon.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 190mg