How to Cook Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Garlic-infused and Flavorful Seafood Dish

Shrimp scampi pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that is popular for its delicious taste and easy preparation. This flavorful seafood dish is made with succulent shrimp, garlic-infused butter, and a variety of herbs and spices. Shrimp scampi pasta is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.

What is Shrimp Scampi Pasta?

Shrimp scampi pasta is a dish that originated in Italy and is now widely popular in the United States. It is a simple and easy-to-make dish that consists of linguine pasta and shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce. The dish is typically seasoned with red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and parsley, which give it a unique and flavorful taste.

Shrimp scampi pasta is a great dish for seafood lovers who enjoy a classic and delicious meal. It is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, shrimp scampi pasta is sure to be a hit.

To learn how to cook shrimp scampi pasta, follow our step-by-step instructions and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the shrimp scampi, you will need large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. You will also need garlic, unsalted butter, olive oil, dry white wine, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley.

For the Pasta:

1 lb spaghetti or linguine pasta
4 quarts water
1 tbsp salt

For the pasta, you will need spaghetti or linguine pasta, water, and salt. Make sure to use a large pot to cook the pasta, as it needs plenty of space to cook evenly.

Optional Garnish:

Grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges
Chopped parsley

If desired, you can garnish the finished dish with grated Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, and chopped parsley.

Instructions: How to Cook Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Preparing the Shrimp Scampi

Before starting to cook the shrimp scampi pasta, it is essential to prepare the shrimp scampi. Here are the steps to follow:

Clean the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the shells, tails, and devein them.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, and season them with salt and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add butter and olive oil.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and firm.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Add lemon juice, white wine, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Cooking the Pasta

After preparing the shrimp scampi, it is time to cook the pasta. Here are the steps to follow:

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
Drain the pasta in a colander and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
Rinse the pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process and drain again.

Combining the Shrimp Scampi and Pasta

Finally, it is time to combine the shrimp scampi and pasta to create a delicious and flavorful seafood dish. Here are the steps to follow:

Heat the skillet with the shrimp scampi sauce over medium heat.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and create a creamy consistency.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious shrimp scampi pasta!

Tips for Cooking Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp scampi pasta is a delicious and flavorful seafood dish that is perfect for any occasion. However, to make the perfect shrimp scampi pasta, you need to follow some tips that will help you choose the right shrimp, cook it properly, and add the right amount of garlic.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

The first step in making shrimp scampi pasta is choosing the right shrimp. You want to use fresh and high-quality shrimp that is firm and has a sweet smell. Avoid shrimp that has a fishy smell or is slimy to the touch. It’s also important to choose the right size of shrimp for your dish. Large or jumbo shrimp work best for shrimp scampi pasta.

Cooking the Shrimp Properly

Once you have chosen the right shrimp, it’s time to cook it properly. To cook the shrimp, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as it can become tough and rubbery.

Adding the Right Amount of Garlic

Garlic is an essential ingredient in shrimp scampi pasta, and it’s important to add the right amount to achieve the perfect flavor. Start by finely mincing 3-4 cloves of garlic and sautéing them in olive oil until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Add the cooked shrimp to the garlic-infused oil and toss to coat.

Overall, by following these tips, you can create a delicious and flavorful shrimp scampi pasta that will impress your family and friends. Remember to choose the right shrimp, cook it properly, and add the right amount of garlic for the perfect taste.

Conclusion

Shrimp scampi pasta is a delicious and flavorful seafood dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, this dish is sure to impress. The garlic-infused pasta combined with the succulent shrimp creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

When cooking shrimp scampi pasta, it’s important to remember a few key tips. First, make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the shrimp. Secondly, don’t overcook the shrimp or the pasta. Finally, let the flavors meld together by allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes before serving.

Now that you know how to cook shrimp scampi pasta, it’s time to enjoy it! The dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal. Serve it with a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

Tips for Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or chicken broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp scampi pasta is a classic dish that is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy!