Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that features succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter and white wine sauce, tossed with pasta. This dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making the Shrimp Scampi Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add Remaining Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Plate: Serve the shrimp scampi pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Shrimp Scampi Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Include spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use Different Pasta: Substitute linguine or spaghetti with your favorite type of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a deliciously simple dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and wine with tender shrimp and pasta. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!