Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta, a timeless seafood dish that elevates any dining experience. Combining succulent shrimp and tender linguine, this recipe promises a satisfying and elegant meal, perfect for both special occasions and casual gatherings.

The aromatic blend of butter, garlic, and shallots creates a rich base that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness. With a splash of white wine and a hint of lemon, every bite bursts with freshness, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right touch of heat.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this dish is straightforward yet impressive. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or some crusty bread, and savor the irresistible flavors of the ocean in the comfort of your own home.

Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: Ingredients

In this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta, each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating a symphony of flavors. The linguine serves as a delicate canvas, perfectly absorbing the rich, buttery sauce.

Butter and extra-virgin olive oil bring a luxurious richness that enhances the dish’s overall depth, while shallots and garlic provide an aromatic foundation that awakens the senses. The fresh, succulent shrimp adds a delightful sweetness, complemented by a splash of zesty lemon juice and the crispness of dry white wine, which brightens and balances the flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, tying the dish together beautifully.

Enhancing Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a classic seafood dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce. To elevate your cooking experience, here are some helpful recipe tips, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions to guide you.

Recipe Tips

1. Choosing the Right Pasta: While linguine is the traditional choice for shrimp scampi, you can experiment with other pasta types, such as fettuccine or even spaghetti. If you prefer a lighter meal, consider using angel hair pasta, which cooks quickly and has a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and sauce.
2. Perfecting the Shrimp: To ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked, keep an eye on their color. They should turn a vibrant pink and opaque when done. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they are cooked through and keep them warm while you finish the sauce.
3. Balancing Flavors: The acidity from the lemon juice and white wine helps cut through the richness of the butter and oil, adding depth to the dish. Adjust the acidity to your taste by adding a bit more lemon juice or wine if desired, but be cautious not to overpower the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley not only enhance flavor but also provide a fresh burst of color, making your dish visually appealing.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi

1. Garlic Bread: Nothing complements Shrimp Scampi quite like a warm slice of garlic bread. The crispy, buttery texture and aromatic flavors of garlic make it the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious sauce left on your plate. You can easily prepare garlic bread by spreading a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley on slices of baguette, then toasting them until golden brown.
2. A Crisp Green Salad: Pair your shrimp scampi with a light and refreshing salad. A simple mix of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta. The freshness of the salad balances the meal, making it feel lighter and more vibrant.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving roasted seasonal vegetables alongside your shrimp scampi. Options like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, lightly tossed in olive oil and herbs, add a colorful and nutritious element to your meal. The caramelized edges of the roasted veggies provide a lovely texture that complements the pasta nicely.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
2. What type of wine is best for shrimp scampi?
   A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works well in this recipe. The acidity of the wine enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.
3. Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
   While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure they remain tender and flavorful.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free linguine that cooks similarly to wheat-based pasta, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious dish without gluten.

Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

Shrimp scampi with linguine is the ultimate seafood pasta dish. Works with any pasta; angel hair is less filling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 16 ounce package linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 shallots finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon juiced
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil or to taste

Instructions

 

• Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients for the dish.
• In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, and cook the linguine until it is almost tender, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter together with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
• Add the finely diced shallots, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking until the shallots become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Season the shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, then introduce them to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep warm.
• Pour the dry white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon.
• Incorporate another 2 tablespoons of butter into the skillet, stirring in an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and allow the mixture to simmer.
• Finally, toss the cooked linguine, shrimp, and chopped parsley in the butter mixture until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and drizzle with an extra teaspoon of olive oil before serving.

Keyword Shrimp Scampi with Pasta