What is so magical about pasta? One that hits the spot every single time. What is a good shrimp scampi recipe? I remember my grandma making a version of this, and the aroma alone would have me practically glued. To the kitchen counter. It was so much simpler than her usual elaborate Italian feasts, but somehow, even more satisfying. Think of it like the pasta version of garlic bread, but with succulent shrimp swimming in that same water. What is a garlicky, buttery sauce? If you love carbonara, but want something lighter and brighter, this is *definitely* it. What is your new go-to brand

What are some easy shrimp scampi recipes?

What is this delicious dish? What is shrimp scampi? Think of it as shrimp cooked in a glorious bath of butter, garlic, white wine (or broth! What is the beauty of lemon juice? What’s essentially taking a handful of really great ingredients and letting them shine? What’s the best way to serve dinner? Is it not complicated, it’s not fussy, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness? What is the kind of meal that makes you want to twirl your fork and close your eyes with every bite? I’ve had plenty of those moments!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some of the reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and why I think you’ll like it too. I absolutely adore it too.

Flavor Bomb:What is the flavor profile of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine? That’s both rich and bright. Is it like a party in your mouth? The sweetness of the shrimp perfectly complements the tang of lemon and the garlic.
Seriously simple: What isWhat is a lifesaver on busy weeknights? Is it possible to have dinner at home in 30 minutes? Is cleaning a breeze?
Budget-Friendly DeCan shrimp be pricey, but even with that, this recipe is pretty cost-effective. If you use frozen shrimp (which I do all the time) what are you using? What are some pantry staples that most of us already have on hand?
What is VersatilityHow do I add red pepper flakes to this recipe? What is the best pasta you have ever had? What are some of the best scampi recipes?

What I love most is how it feels both fancy and comforting at the same time. What is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, but also impressive enough to serve to guests? I often compare it to my lemon chicken pasta recipe, but this one has that extra touch of seafood. What is magic that elevates it to another level?

How do I make shrimp scampi pasta?

Quick Overview

What are some easy recipes for shrimp scampi pasta? I’ll sauté some garlic in butter, add shrimp and cook until pink, then deglaze the pan. Is it good to serve white wine with a spoon? A squeeze of lemon, some herbs, and toss with cooked pasta. What is the secret to overcooking shrimp? I promise, even a beginner cook can nail this recipe on the first try. I’ve taught my teenage nephew to make it, so that’s proof enough!

Ingredients Notes

For the Shrimp Scampi: What are some

Shrimp: I usually use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen is fine, just make sure they’re thawed completely before cooking.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! Don’t even think about using the pre-minced stuff. What is the difference between a good and bad day?
White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great. If you don’t have wine, chicken broth is a good substitute.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the whole dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat, but it’s totally optional.
Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
Olive Oil: To prevent the butter from burning.

For the Pasta:

Pasta: Linguine is my go-to, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta work well too. I’ve even used gluten-free pasta with great results.

How do I make step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions. Make sure to salt the water generously! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself. If you are making pasta, reserve about a cup of pasta water. You might need it to adjust the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Set aside. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic?

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you need to, cook the shrimp in batches. If you overcrowd the shrimp, it will steam it instead of sautéing it, and it won’t get that nice golden color.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

How much white wine should I add to the chicken broth? Is it possible to remove browned bits from the bottom of the pan? Where is all the flavor? The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a delicious concentrated sauce.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Parsley

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always do a taste test at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Toss with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. What is the desired consistency I like to add a splash at the same time until it’s perfect. I usually add it once.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. I like to serve mine with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

What should I serve it with?

What is a good shrimp scampi recipe? What is the right side? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

For a Light Lunch:What’s a good green salad with vinaigrette? What is the acidity of vinaigrette that cuts through the richness of the sauce?

For a Romantic Dinner:Serve with garlic bread or bruschetta for dipping in the sauce. A glass of chilled white wine is also a must!

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For a family meal:Add some roasted vegetables, like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, for a healthy and tasty snack. What is a satisfying My kids love it when I add garlic breadsticks too!

For a Potluck: This pasta dish is always a hit at potlucks! Just make sure to keep it warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish. Serve with a simple fruit salad or a platter of cheese and crackers.

My family loves this dish, and we have some fun traditions around it. My husband always insists on grating extra Parmesan on top (he’s a cheese fiend!), and my kids love to slurp up the noodles as loudly as possible (which I secretly encourage!).

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you take your shrimp scampi pasta to the next level:

Shrimp Selection: Buy the best quality shrimp you can afford. Fresh shrimp is always ideal, but frozen shrimp works great too. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Garlic Game: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s a key ingredient in this dish. Use fresh garlic and mince it finely for the best flavor.

Wine Wisdom: Use a dry white wine that you would actually drink. Don’t use “cooking wine,” which is often full of salt and other additives. If you don’t have wine, chicken broth is a good substitute.

Lemon Love: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for brightening up the dish. Don’t use bottled lemon juice, which can taste artificial.

Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta al dente. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Reserve some pasta water before draining, in case you need to thin out the sauce.

Shrimp Savvy: Don’t overcook the shrimp! It should be pink and opaque, but still tender. Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unpleasant.

Butter Brilliance: Use a combination of butter and olive oil to prevent the butter from burning. The olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter, so it will help keep the butter from browning too quickly.

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Or, for a more complex flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika.

I once tried adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce, and it was *deliciously* decadent, but a bit too heavy for everyday. So now I save that version for special occasions!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating your easy shrimp scampi pasta:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp can become a little rubbery after a day or two, but it will still be safe to eat.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the shrimp can become very rubbery and the sauce can separate. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Methods: The best way to reheat shrimp scampi pasta is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re storing the pasta for more than a day, I recommend adding the fresh parsley just before serving. This will keep it from wilting and turning brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I’ve tried a few different brands, and they all work well. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so be sure to follow the package directions.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. I usually thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or you can thaw it quickly by placing it in a bowl of cold water.

What can I use instead of white wine?

If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. The flavor won’t be quite as complex, but it will still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can definitely add vegetables! Asparagus, broccoli, spinach, and mushrooms all work well. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the shrimp.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the skillet with the garlic. You can also add a few drops of hot sauce to the finished dish.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to easy shrimp scampi pasta recipe! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The best part? It’s totally customizable, so you can easily adapt it to your liking. If you’re looking for other quick and easy pasta dishes, be sure to check out my creamy tomato pasta or my pesto chicken pasta recipe. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!

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Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

What are some easy shrimp scampi recipes?

Why you’ll love this recipe?