Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a classic and crave-worthy Italian-American dinner, Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is guaranteed to steal the show. This bright, buttery, lemon-kissed dish tosses succulent shrimp with tender linguine and a garlicky white wine sauce—quick to whip up, yet impossibly elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to build this dish’s vibrant flavors. Each element plays a starring role—let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta shine.

• Linguine Pasta: The classic scampi pairing, linguine’s flat shape is perfect for catching every drop of that silky sauce.
• Butter: Divided throughout the recipe, butter transforms the sauce into something luxuriously rich and comforting.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds fruity flavor and helps sauté the shallots and garlic without burning.
• Shallots: Their delicate, sweet bite balances the sharpness of raw garlic and builds flavor in the sauce’s base.
• Garlic: For that essential garlicky aroma—don’t skimp here, it’s what gives scampi its signature depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch brings gentle warmth to the sauce; adjust to your spice preference!
• Shrimp (peeled & deveined): Choose large shrimp for juicy, tender bites that won’t overcook quickly.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season as you go for balanced flavor.
• Dry White Wine: Adds subtle acidity and complexity—choose something crisp like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Lemon Juice: A generous squeeze brightens the dish and matches beautifully with the shrimp.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of color and herby freshness to finish the plate.
• Extra Olive Oil for Drizzling: Just a touch at the end gives an irresistible sheen and flavor boost.

Variations

Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is delightfully flexible! It’s easy to swap ingredients, accommodate dietary needs, or get creative with whatever’s in your pantry. Here are some ways to make this classic dish your own.

• Swap the Pasta: Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free or whole wheat noodles for a different texture and flavor.
• Go Spicy: Bump up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a bold, zesty finish.
• Lemon Lover’s Dream: Add lemon zest or double up on juice for a bright, tangy kick.
• Butter-Free Option: Replace all the butter with extra olive oil to make the dish dairy-free.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach or cherry tomatoes just before tossing with the pasta for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until it’s just shy of perfectly tender—think al dente, since it’ll finish soaking up flavor in the sauce. Drain and set aside, ready for its scampi transformation.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons each of butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add your finely diced shallots, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything until the shallots turn translucent and the kitchen smells heavenly—about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Season the shrimp generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Watch as they quickly curl and blush pink—just 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp to a plate, covering them loosely to keep warm while you finish the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour the dry white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice into your pan. Let it bubble up while you scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. They’re flavor gold! Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained linguine, cooked shrimp, and chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated and glossy with sauce. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh parsley is the traditional finishing touch, adding freshness and color. For a luxurious twist, try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a few extra curls of lemon zest—both make the Shrimp Scampi with Pasta even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish loves a bright, simple salad—think arugula with a squeeze of lemon or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. Warm, crusty bread (for mopping up extra sauce, naturally!) or some steamed asparagus round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper dinner, twirl linguine into individual nests on plates and layer the shrimp artfully on top. Serve in a big family-style platter for everyone to dig in, or even nestle the whole pan on the dinner table for a rustic, inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Shrimp Scampi with Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld nicely overnight, though the shrimp is always best when freshly cooked.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing—shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, try to reheat gently to preserve as much texture as possible.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Heat just until the shrimp is warmed through to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as impressive as it is approachable, Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is it! Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of crisp wine, and make your kitchen smell amazing—there’s a plateful of joy waiting for you. Can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with someone you love!

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