If you love dishes that deliver comfort, elegance, and a blast of flavor all in one bite, then this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to weeknight winner. It’s a perfect balance of tender shrimp sautéed in buttery garlic goodness, combined with silky angel hair pasta and a hint of fresh parsley and zingy lemon. The wine adds this subtle depth that pulls everything together, making it taste like a dish you’d savor in a cozy Italian trattoria, yet it’s easy enough to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that each have a crucial role in building lush flavor and inviting texture. From the delicate angel hair pasta to the fragrant garlic and fresh parsley, every component shines and supports the others beautifully.
- 8 oz angel hair pasta: This delicate pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the buttery sauce perfectly.
- 3 tbsp butter: Rich and luscious, butter forms the base of the sauce, giving it silky texture and depth.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, the shrimp bring the star protein that makes this dish so satisfying.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the butter with wonderful aroma and a punch of flavor.
- ½ cup dry white wine: The wine adds acidity and complexity, brightening the whole dish.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: A simple seasoning that gives a gentle spicy note without overpowering.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty and savory, Parmesan rounds out the flavors with a subtle saltiness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbal finish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Squeezing fresh lemon juice before eating enhances the dish’s brightness and balance.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, which seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook the angel hair pasta for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a little bite. Drain it carefully to keep it from overcooking, then keep warm to add back into the sauce momentarily.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s bubbling with buttery goodness. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute; you want it fragrant but not browned or bitter. Next, add the shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This stage is crucial to keep the shrimp juicy and perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine and sprinkle in the ground black pepper, then turn up the heat to bring everything to a boil. Let the sauce simmer just for about 30 seconds so the alcohol cooks off and the flavors meld. This quick reduction helps concentrate the taste and gives the sauce its signature tangy kick.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring it all together: toss the cooked angel hair pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly, coating the pasta with the garlicky, buttery sauce for an irresistible, silky finish that clings to every strand.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle the dish liberally with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to add bursts of flavor and a lovely pop of color. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can brighten their plate with as much citrus as they like—this little touch lifts and balances the whole dish beautifully.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley and Parmesan isn’t just about looks—they introduce layers of fresh and savory flavor that elevate the dish. Lemon wedges are essential, too, because a squeeze adds the perfect acidic contrast to the rich sauce and succulent shrimp.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad to echo the freshness in the scampi sauce. For a heartier accompaniment, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini bring texture and color to the meal without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner that feels a little extra special, serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of creamy risotto instead of pasta. You can also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for a flavorful twist. Serving it in shallow bowls garnished with whole parsley sprigs makes for an inviting, rustic presentation perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the shrimp and pasta soak up sauce, the flavors deepen, but be careful not to overcook when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp dishes can be tricky since shrimp texture changes after freezing. However, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stove, adding fresh shrimp sautéed separately for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, use a low heat setting in a skillet and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently to warm through without drying out the shrimp or sticking the pasta. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can overcook the delicate shrimp and make the pasta mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional and cooks quickly, linguine or spaghetti are also great options that hold the sauce well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the pasta remains al dente.
What kind of white wine works best in this recipe?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. These wines provide bright acidity without overpowering the delicate flavors of the shrimp and garlic sauce.
Is it necessary to use fresh shrimp?
Fresh shrimp will always yield the best texture and flavor, but quality frozen shrimp work well too if thawed properly before cooking. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
Can I make this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the angel hair pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options that cook similarly and soak up the scampi sauce beautifully.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on their color and texture; they should be pink and opaque but still tender. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so it’s best to remove them from heat as soon as they’re done.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe comes together so effortlessly yet tastes so indulgent. I encourage you to give it a try at home and watch how a few simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist that never disappoints.
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Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a quick and elegant dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic white wine sauce, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta, and finished with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and bright lemon wedges. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep it warm while preparing the shrimp and sauce.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook them for 3-5 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the dry white wine into the pan with the shrimp and garlic. Season with ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for 30 seconds to combine the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the pan with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, adding a fresh and zesty brightness.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- You can substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten free.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the dish more than pre-grated varieties.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
