Pasta with Shrimp Scampi: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal? Look no further than this Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe! This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends. It's also incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking.
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce. The simplicity of the dish belies its rich and satisfying flavor profile. This recipe focuses on bringing out the best in the shrimp and creating a creamy, garlicky sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be easily adaptable to what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment!
- Shrimp: 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined. Larger shrimp will cook faster, but smaller shrimp offer a more plentiful dish. Frozen shrimp works perfectly, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta. Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work wonderfully.
- Garlic: 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced. Don't be shy with the garlic; it's the star of the show!
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of butter. Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the saltiness of the dish.
- White Wine: ½ cup of dry white wine (optional, but highly recommended!). A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. If omitting, substitute with chicken broth.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
- Parsley: ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped. This adds a pop of freshness and color.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This will help to create a creamier sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
- Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Deglaze the Pan: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor.
- Stir in Lemon Juice and Seasonings: Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add a little pasta water if needed to create a creamier consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta with shrimp scampi immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Enhance your dish with the addition of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking the shrimp.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for extra flavor.
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. Enjoy!
