If you are craving a dinner that feels both elegant and effortlessly delicious, this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with tender angel hair pasta, delivering a perfect balance of flavor, zest, and comfort. Whether for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Using fresh, quality ingredients allows every flavor to shine, making each bite sing with garlic, butter, and tangy lemon essence. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta: This delicate pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully for a silky finish.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and a luscious base for the garlic and shrimp.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, shrimp bring a light, sweet seafood flavor that is the highlight of the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides that classic scampi punch, aromatic and slightly spicy.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that lifts the sauce.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Just a touch to enhance the other flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty depth and creamy texture when tossed in at the end.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs bring a pop of color and a peppery freshness.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A quick squeeze of lemon adds zesty brightness that finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This is key to properly seasoning the pasta from the start. Add your angel hair pasta and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until al dente—soft but still with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta and keep it warm while you move on to the shrimp.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter so it coats every surface. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial for unlocking garlic’s full flavor. Add your shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, an irresistible sign that they’re perfectly done.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine to the pan with the shrimp and garlic, then sprinkle on the ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for about 30 seconds. This quick reduction concentrates the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce, marrying the shrimp and butter beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time for the magic moment: add your cooked angel hair pasta back into the pan. Toss everything together carefully but thoroughly so the pasta is fully coated with that garlicky, buttery wine sauce and studded with plump shrimp. This step ensures every forkful tastes divine.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe by sprinkling grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley over the top. These final touches add creamy richness and a fresh, herbal note. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can brighten their dish with a squeeze of citrus whenever they like.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet essential garnishes make all the difference. Fresh parsley scattered on top not only adds a lovely green contrast but also a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that balances the richness. A generous grating of Parmesan cheese contributes savory creaminess. And never forget those lemon wedges—a little squeeze just before eating transforms the dish with vibrant acidity.
Side Dishes
While this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe stands perfectly on its own, pairing it with crisp side dishes can enhance the meal further. Consider a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette or steamed asparagus. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce, making sure nothing goes to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can take your meal from lovely to unforgettable. Try plating the pasta in a loose nest with the shrimp arranged artfully on top, then add herb sprigs for extra flair. Serving in a wide, shallow bowl showcases the vibrant colors and lets your guests dive right in. For an impressive touch, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because seafood can spoil quickly, it’s best to eat the leftovers within 1 to 2 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture but be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezing
Freezing this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe isn’t ideal since cooked shrimp can become rubbery and the pasta may lose texture when thawed. If you must freeze, separate the shrimp and pasta and freeze without sauce to preserve quality, then reheat and toss with fresh sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can overcook the shrimp and make the pasta mushy. Reheating slowly preserves the dish’s wonderful texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta besides angel hair?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully, you can substitute linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a slightly heartier bite. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the pasta al dente.
Is dry white wine necessary for the sauce?
The wine adds brightness and complexity to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, a splash of chicken broth combined with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works well as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap angel hair pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be sure to check cooking times as gluten-free pasta can differ in texture and cooking duration.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
When shrimp turn pink and are opaque all the way through while curling slightly, they are perfectly cooked. Overcooking makes them tough, so it’s best to watch closely and remove from heat as soon as they finish changing color.
Can I add other ingredients to this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! For extra flavor and texture, consider adding cherry tomatoes, spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. These tweaks can make the dish your own while keeping the classic scampi essence intact.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe because it truly is a gem of a dish. Combining fresh shrimp, bright garlic, and silky pasta in a tangy wine sauce makes for an incredibly satisfying meal that feels special every time. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
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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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic Shrimp Scampi with Pasta recipe featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine sauce, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley 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 well and keep it warm while you prepare the shrimp.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
- 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, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 seconds to blend the flavors.
- 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 sauce and heated through.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve the Shrimp Scampi immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease and best texture.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly—watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- Serve immediately as the pasta will absorb the sauce and dry out if left to sit.
