Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s both quick and incredibly delicious, then shrimp scampi with pasta is where it’s at! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped this up on a busy weeknight, and it never fails to impress. The combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon tossed with perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s my go-to when I want something fancy without the fuss. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home!
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this shrimp scampi with pasta sing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen works—just make sure they’re ready to go!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: You can never have too much garlic in my opinion. It adds that irresistible aroma!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: For that rich, creamy texture that makes everything better.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A splash of good quality olive oil elevates the flavors.
- 1/2 cup white wine: Choose a dry wine you’d enjoy drinking—this is for the sauce, after all!
- 1 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish beautifully.
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your dish to perfection!
With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a stunning meal that will impress anyone at your dinner table!
How to Prepare Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Making shrimp scampi with pasta is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step! Just follow these instructions, and you’ll have a gorgeous meal on the table in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add 8 oz of spaghetti. I usually cook it according to the package instructions, which is typically about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Remember to give it a good stir to prevent sticking! When it’s ready, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it—let that starchy goodness cling to it!
Sautéing the Shrimp
While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat up 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbly, toss in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly! Now, add in your 1 lb of shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn that beautiful pink color. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up and look opaque!
Combining Ingredients
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and the juice of 1 lemon into the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors. Then, gently add in the cooked spaghetti, tossing everything together so that the pasta gets coated in that luscious sauce. It’s like a dance of flavors, and you’ll see how everything melds together beautifully!
Final Touches
To finish it off, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last toss to combine everything. Now, it’s time to serve! Dish it up while it’s warm, and get ready to impress your family or friends with this delightful shrimp scampi with pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp scampi with pasta is an absolute winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, lemon, and shrimp creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a satisfying meal without the guilt.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- Impressive Presentation: It looks gorgeous on the plate, making it great for entertaining.
Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your home!
Tips for Success
To make your shrimp scampi with pasta absolutely perfect, here are some pro tips! First, don’t overcook your shrimp; they should be just pink and firm. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Also, using fresh garlic makes a huge difference in flavor—skip the jarred stuff! And remember, always taste and adjust your seasoning towards the end, because every ingredient can vary in strength. Lastly, for a touch of elegance, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil just before serving. Your guests will love it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delightful shrimp scampi with pasta. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on common ingredients, so they may vary slightly depending on what you use. Enjoy your delicious meal guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about shrimp scampi with pasta, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. It saves time and still tastes fantastic.
What kind of pasta works best?
While I love spaghetti, you can really use any pasta you have on hand—linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options work great!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I recommend enjoying it fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Just cook the pasta and shrimp right before serving for the best taste.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
A crisp green salad or some garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish. It makes for a lovely, complete meal!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently in a skillet!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your shrimp scampi with pasta experience, I love to serve it with a few complementary dishes! A fresh, crisp Caesar salad adds a lovely crunch and balances the richness of the dish. If you’re in the mood for something warm, garlic bread is a classic choice—it’s perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce! You might also consider a side of roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus for a healthy touch. And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine; it pairs beautifully with the flavors and makes everything feel extra special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your shrimp scampi with pasta is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen up the pasta and sauce. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Trust me, with just a little care, it’ll taste almost as good as when you first made it!
Print
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: 25-Minute Flavor Explosion
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp scampi with pasta is a quick and flavorful dish made with shrimp, garlic, and butter served over pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Add cooked spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi, pasta, quick dinner