Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a delightful Italian-American dish that perfectly combines the succulence of shrimp with the rich, buttery flavors of scampi sauce. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also offers a restaurant-quality meal that can impress your guests or make an ordinary dinner extraordinary. In this article, we will delve into the step-by-step process of preparing this delicious meal, providing you with tips and insights to ensure your Shrimp Scampi turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything ready and within reach will make the cooking process much smoother.
For the Pasta:
- 1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (Optional)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial as it adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine pasta and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until it is nearly tender. It’s essential to not overcook the pasta at this stage because it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the scampi sauce later. After the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Making the Scampi Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. This combination of butter and olive oil provides a rich and flavorful base for the scampi sauce.
Add the finely diced shallots, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients in the hot butter and oil mixture until the shallots become translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The red pepper flakes are optional but they add a nice hint of heat to the dish without being overpowering.
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them until they turn pink, stirring occasionally. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and keep them warm.
Step 4: Creating the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the dry white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a boil while using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add a deep, rich flavor to the sauce.
Next, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, then stir in 2 more tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Bring this butter and oil mixture to a simmer. The combination of wine, lemon juice, butter, and olive oil creates a luxurious and tangy scampi sauce.
Step 5: Combining Everything
Add the cooked linguine, shrimp, and finely chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the scampi sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet. It makes an excellent main course for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a special weeknight meal. To elevate the dining experience, consider serving the dish with a side of crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, and a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final dish. Use fresh shrimp, high-quality olive oil, and fresh parsley for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.
- Balance the Flavors: The acidity of the lemon juice and the richness of the butter and olive oil should complement each other. Adjust the lemon juice to your taste preference.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: For added color and nutrition, consider adding vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus tips.
- Spice Level: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or thyme for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a timeless dish that brings together the best of Italian and American culinary traditions. Its simplicity and elegance make it a versatile recipe suitable for various occasions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious, flavorful meal that will impress and satisfy anyone who tastes it. Enjoy your cooking and dining experience!
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Pasta Shrimp Scampi with
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, and finished with a hint of lemon and parsley. This quick and elegant meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, delivering a burst of fresh and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (Optional)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
Instructions
Gather ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook linguine in boiling water until nearly tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook and stir shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes in the hot butter and oil until shallots are translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
Season shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper; add to the skillet and cook until pink, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and keep warm.
Pour white wine and lemon juice into skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in skillet, stir 2 tablespoons olive oil into butter mixture, and bring to a simmer.
Toss linguine, shrimp, and parsley in the butter mixture until coated; season with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil to serve.
Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg