Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi is made with simple pantry staples, this scampi recipe effortlessly coats shrimp with a flavorful sauce. It’s a versatile choice, equally fitting for casual dinners and special occasions. Just pair with a Caesar salad, and voila! You’ve fashioned a feast right in your own kitchen.This is a recipe for easy, fancy shrimp at its very best. There’s something undeniably comforting about a generous serving of pasta, and this shrimp dish hits all the right notes. Jumbo shrimp which are simmered in a sauce infused with the richness of butter, garlic, dry white wine, and lemon juice take the spotlight. A sprinkle of red pepper and parsley balances everything. As the shrimp blush to a tender pink, the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is so easy to make, even a beginner can do it. But the results are anything but basic. This dish is the epitome of easy-fancy dining.
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.

What Is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi is a tasty seafood dish made with big shrimp. They’re sautéed, which means quickly cooked, with garlic, butter, lemon juice and white wine. You can serve shrimp scampi on its own as an appetizer with crusty bread, but for a really satisfying dinner, serving it over linguine is a top-notch choice.

Which Pasta For Shrimp Scampi?

When it comes to picking the pasta for your shrimp scampi, you can choose between linguine,  spaghetti, or other long pasta types you prefer. But for the tastiest results, it’s a good idea to lean towards linguine.

Linguine’s flat, ribbon-like shape is perfect for this dish because it can carry the weight of the shrimp and soak up the flavorful sauce. Its shape also helps trap the sauce better compared to spaghetti, which is round.

Ingredients, Tips and Substitutions

• Shrimp: For the best result, Opt for large shrimp, usually categorized as 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. It’s perfectly okay to use frozen shrimp, they can be thawed super fast by placing them under cold running water, then peel and devein them. 
• Pasta: Linguine is the classic choice for this recipe, as it complements the shrimp without overpowering their flavor. However, you can also substitute with fettuccine or spaghetti for a similar experience. For a twist, consider using zucchini noodles, polenta or rice.
• Butter: The quality of butter matters in this recipe, as its rich flavor shines through. Go for high-quality unsalted butter, and you can always add more salt later.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil to increase the smoking point of the butter.
• Garlic: Garlic is essential for boosting the flavor of any recipe. Feel free to use more if you’re a garlic enthusiast.
• Onion: If you don’t have onion on hand, you can substitute it with shallot for a similar depth of flavor and fragrance.
• White wine: Choose a dry, crisp white wine to make the scampi sauce. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent options.
• Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Bring a zesty and acidic element to balance out the richness of the shrimp and butter. Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• Seasonings: Elevate the flavors with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. A pinch of chili flakes can add a subtle kick, but feel free to use more if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant color to your dish but also imparts a refreshing and bright flavor to the shrimp scampi.

Helpful TIps

• Don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread on the side, it’s perfect for savoring every drop of that delectable sauce.
• Butter Your Way: Adjust the amount of butter to your taste. More butter equals a richer, more decadent flavor, while less allows you to tailor the dish to your preference.
• Green Accompaniments: Complement your shrimp scampi with a fresh leafy salad drizzled with Caesar dressing for an extra treat.
• Shrimp scampi can be enjoyed as an appetizer with crusty bread, or as a hearty and satisfying dinner served with linguine or your preferred pasta.
• Ingredient prep: Before you heat up your skillet, gather all of your ingredients and have them prepped and ready to go. This will help you avoid any interruptions in the middle of this fast-paced recipe. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them earlier in the day and store them chilled until you’re ready to cook.

Storage

• Fridge: Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply add it to a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through.
• Freezer: Cool the dish completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in a skillet, adding a little water or broth to revive the sauce.

Try These Next

• Spanish Garlic Shrimp
• Tomato Parmesan Shrimp Pasta with Arugula
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Spaghetti