How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Garlic-infused and Flavorful Seafood Dish
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and white wine. This flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic date night at home.
What is Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century. The dish typically consists of sautéed shrimp in garlic-infused butter and olive oil, tossed with linguine or spaghetti pasta and finished with a splash of white wine and lemon juice. The dish is often garnished with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition. You can also use different types of pasta like angel hair, fettuccine, or penne to switch up the texture.
In this article, we will show you how to make Shrimp Scampi Pasta from scratch with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. We will also provide you with some variations and serving suggestions to help you create a delicious and memorable meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1/4 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Shrimp scampi pasta is an easy and delicious seafood dish that is perfect for any occasion. To make this dish, you will need to marinate the shrimp in a garlic and lemon mixture, cook the pasta in salted water, and prepare the flavorful sauce.
The shrimp marinade is made with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. The marinade adds a delicious flavor to the shrimp and helps to keep it moist during cooking.
The pasta is cooked in salted water until it is al dente, which means it is cooked but still firm to the bite. The olive oil helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together and adds a subtle flavor.
The sauce is made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, white wine, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and parsley. The sauce is rich and flavorful and pairs perfectly with the shrimp and pasta.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Jumbo shrimp | 1 pound |
| Garlic | 7 cloves, minced |
| Olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 cup freshly squeezed |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Linguine or spaghetti | 1 pound |
| Salt | 1/4 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup unsalted |
| White wine | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Parsley | 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaves |
Preparation
Shrimp scampi pasta is a mouth-watering and flavorful seafood dish that can be easily prepared in the comfort of your own home. The dish is made with juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a delicious garlic-infused sauce that will leave you wanting more. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious meal:
Marinating the Shrimp
The first step in making shrimp scampi pasta is to marinate the shrimp. This will help to infuse the shrimp with flavor and make it even more delicious. To marinate the shrimp, you’ll need:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the shrimp in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
While the shrimp is marinating, you can start cooking the pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of spaghetti or linguine
- Salt, to taste
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
The final step in making shrimp scampi pasta is to make the sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the white wine and chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, minced |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Spaghetti or linguine | 1 pound |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry white wine | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Putting it All Together
Now that you have prepared the shrimp, pasta, and sauce, it’s time to combine them all and create your delicious shrimp scampi pasta dish. Here’s how:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Add the white wine to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Divide the shrimp scampi pasta among plates and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and flavorful seafood dish!
With this simple recipe, you can now make a mouth-watering shrimp scampi pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
Tips and Variations
While shrimp scampi pasta is a classic seafood dish, there are several ways to customize it and make it your own. Here are some tips and variations to try:
Substituting the Shrimp
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or simply want to switch things up, consider substituting the shrimp with another type of seafood. Scallops, lobster, or even crab meat can be used in place of shrimp for a different flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can also substitute the shrimp with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. These alternatives may require a different cooking method or seasoning to match the flavor profile of the dish.
Adding Vegetables
While shrimp scampi pasta typically includes garlic and lemon for flavor, you can also add vegetables to the dish for extra nutrition and texture. Some popular options include:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Broccoli
- Spinach
Simply sauté the vegetables in the same pan as the shrimp and garlic, or roast them separately in the oven before adding them to the pasta.
Making it Spicy
If you prefer a little heat in your dishes, you can easily make shrimp scampi pasta spicy by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.
You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce or chili paste to add a unique flavor to the dish.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 lb |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Conclusion
Shrimp scampi pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful garlic butter sauce and succulent shrimp, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to cook your pasta al dente for the best results.
Experiment with different variations of the recipe, such as adding cherry tomatoes, spinach, or red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. You can also substitute the shrimp for other seafood like scallops or clams.
Overall, shrimp scampi pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
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Despite its few drawbacks, shrimp scampi pasta is a must-try for any seafood lover. So why not give it a try tonight?