If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and comforting textures, you’re going to love this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe. It effortlessly combines tender, garlicky shrimp with a silky butter and white wine sauce, all tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. The freshness of parsley and the zing of lemon bring the whole dish together, making it a perfect meal for any occasion—from a weekday dinner to a special weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, adding layers of flavor, texture, or vibrant color that elevate the dish without any fuss.
- 8 oz angel hair pasta: Its thin strands cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully for a delicate base.
- 3 tbsp butter: Provides the rich, creamy foundation for the sauce and helps marry all the flavors together.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Protein-packed and tender, shrimp cooks rapidly and takes on the garlic and wine flavors perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that’s essential for authentic scampi flavor.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Brings acidity and depth, balancing the buttery sauce with bright notes.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that complements the garlic without overpowering.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled over the top, it adds a savory, umami richness that finishes the dish beautifully.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds fresh color and a mild herbal brightness.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A zesty burst of citrus makes every bite pop.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within, enhancing its natural flavor. Cooking the angel hair pasta until al dente—just tender but still firm—takes only about 4 to 5 minutes. Once ready, drain the pasta and keep it warm, so it’s ready to embrace the luscious shrimp scampi sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Next, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat—the rich, golden butter is where the magic begins. Toss in the minced garlic and let it gently sizzle for about a minute, releasing that intoxicating aroma without burning. Add the shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Pour the dry white wine over the shrimp and garlic mixture. The wine adds an elegant acidity and complexity that cuts through the richness. Season everything with ground black pepper, then crank the heat to bring the sauce to a boil. Let it simmer for about 30 seconds—just enough to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add the cooked angel hair pasta directly into the pan with your vibrant shrimp and silky sauce. Toss everything together carefully so every delicate strand of pasta is evenly coated with the garlic-butter-wine goodness, ensuring that each bite is as flavorful as the last.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe by sprinkling it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and bright chopped parsley. These final touches add richness and a beautiful pop of green, making the dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Don’t forget the lemon wedges on the side—squeezing a little citrus over your serving adds an irresistible brightness that lifts all the flavors.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are more than decoration here—they bring fresh contrast. Besides the classic Parmesan and parsley, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or some fresh basil for an additional herbal note. A dash of extra virgin olive oil drizzled on top can enrich the dish’s silkiness even further.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe is so flavorful, it shines beautifully alongside simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness, while roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli contribute a satisfying earthiness without overshadowing the main event. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or a warm baguette makes perfect sense to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the pasta nest-style on individual plates, placing the shrimp elegantly on top for a restaurant-quality appearance. For a casual family meal, a large shallow bowl garnished generously with parsley and lemon wedges invites everyone to dive in comfortably. Don’t shy away from adding edible flowers or thin lemon slices for a stunning presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta might absorb some of the sauce after a day, so adding a splash of water or broth when reheating will help loosen it up and restore the perfect texture.
Freezing
While shrimp scampi shines best fresh, you can freeze it if necessary. Store the shrimp and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent sogginess. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results and reheat gently.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. A small splash of white wine or broth helps revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the shrimp and pasta unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair is traditional and delicate, spaghetti or linguine also work wonderfully as they hold the sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time to the pasta type you choose.
What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer to skip the alcohol, chicken broth or vegetable broth makes a great substitute. Adding a splash of lemon juice can help keep the bright flavors balanced.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Frozen shrimp work perfectly as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from diluting your sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts and use vegetable broth instead of wine. The garlic butter sauce still carries plenty of delicious flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the angel hair pasta for a gluten-free alternative of your choice. Just ensure you cook it according to the package instructions to get that perfect al dente bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so wonderfully satisfying about a classic Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe that comes together quickly yet tastes like a luxurious treat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish promises bright, buttery, garlicky shrimp with tender pasta in every forkful. Give it a try—it just might become your new go-to favorite for any night of the week.
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Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic Shrimp Scampi with Pasta recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter and white wine sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta and garnished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, flavorful seafood dinner.
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. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep it warm while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook them until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the dry white wine into the pan with the shrimp. Season with ground black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for 30 seconds to reduce slightly and meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and shrimp mixture. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish to add brightness and acidity.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly; monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh garlic is key to the authentic flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Lemon wedges enhance the dish by adding a fresh citrusy note at serving time.
