Description

Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce, with plump shrimp nestled among the strands.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
16 ounces linguine or spaghetti pasta
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1 large lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Additional Optional Ingredients:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained (for added tanginess)
8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (for a burst of color and sweetness)

Variations and Alternative Ingredients:

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider the following suggestions:

Lemon Herb Butter: Enhance the flavor of your scampi by adding lemon zest along with the other ingredients in the butter sauce.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or include a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Shrimp Scampi with Spinach: Stir in 4 cups of fresh spinach when adding the shrimp to the skillet for an extra nutritious element.
creamy variation: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream just before finishing the dish for a richer flavor and creamier texture.

Cooking Equipment:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet or frying pan for cooking shrimp and sauce
Colander for draining pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
Measuring cups and spoons

This recipe serves 8–10 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. Enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and the ease of preparation!

Instructions

Gather the Essential Ingredients
Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients. You will need 8 ounces of spaghetti, 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined), 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Also, prepare 4 cloves of garlic (minced), ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the juice of 1 lemon, and ¼ cup of fresh parsley (chopped). Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. When done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Sauté the Shrimp for Flavor
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the Shrimp Until Pink
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, and then flip to cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. The shrimp should be cooked through and opaque.
Incorporate Lemon and Remaining Ingredients
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, reduce the heat. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the reserved pasta water and the remaining butter. This will create a luscious sauce.
Combine Pasta with Shrimp Scampi Sauce
Now, gently toss the drained spaghetti in the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Make sure the pasta is well coated. Add the chopped parsley, and toss again to incorporate everything.
Serve and Enjoy Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta is ready to serve. Plate it and garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy this flavorful dish immediately!

Notes

Manage Your Pasta Timing
To get both the pasta and sauce ready at the same time, start cooking the pasta first. Choose a high-quality pasta for the best texture.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 511
Sodium: 260mg
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 22g

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi with Pasta, pasta, shrimp