Shrimp Scampi

Create a restaurant-quality Shrimp Scampi at home in under 30 minutes! This quick and easy recipe features angel hair pasta tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with juicy shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or special occasions. Learn how to make this classic Italian dish with simple ingredients and pro tips for the best flavor.

Ingredients

For the Scampi:

• 8 oz. angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and thawed if frozen; see notes)
• ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 5 tablespoons salted butter
• 5 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup roughly chopped parsley
• 1 fresh lemon (cut into wedges)
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded from a block)
• ½ cup pasta water
• Salt/Pepper to taste

For the Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, basil, mustard powder, seasoned salt
• ¼ teaspoon EACH: smoked paprika, black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

Prep Work:

1. Combine the chicken broth and seasonings in a bowl and set aside.
2. Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting, as this recipe cooks quickly.
3. Place Parmesan cheese in a small jar with a lid. You’ll combine it with pasta water later.
4. Thaw shrimp if frozen, and pat dry. Remove the shell, tail, and veins if necessary.

Make the Scampi:

1. Begin boiling water for the pasta. Once it reaches a boil, generously salt the water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate and tilt the skillet to remove excess liquid.
3. Turn off the heat, add the white wine, then set the heat to medium. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half (4-5 minutes).
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add garlic and butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the butter doesn’t separate.
5. Add the chicken broth and seasonings to the skillet. Simmer for 5-6 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
6. Cook the pasta to al dente, setting a timer to prevent overcooking. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
7. Add the reserved pasta water to the jar with Parmesan cheese and shake to combine.
8. Add drained pasta to the skillet, pour the Parmesan mixture over the top, and toss with tongs to coat.
9. Add shrimp and tomatoes to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
10. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Squeeze 2-3 lemon wedges over the dish and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with remaining lemon wedges and extra Parmesan, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes with bold, fresh flavors.
• Restaurant-quality: Impress family and guests with this elegant dish.
• Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Tips

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp yields the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly and should be tender, not rubbery.
• Reserve pasta water: It helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Use quality ingredients: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan and good-quality white wine.

Variations and Substitutions

• Pasta swap: Try linguine, fettuccine, or zucchini noodles for a twist.
• Vegetarian option: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Dairy-free: Use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
• Spicier version: Increase red pepper flakes for more heat.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but add them only at the end to prevent overcooking.

Q: What type of white wine works best?
A: A dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors well.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance to save time.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair with: Garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.
• Occasions: Perfect for romantic dinners, dinner parties, or weeknight meals.
• Presentation: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant, fresh look.