Shrimp Scampi is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp, angel hair pasta, and a garlicky white wine sauce. With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Shrimp Scampi recipe offers a delicate balance of tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and a rich garlicky butter sauce that perfectly complements the angel hair pasta. The chicken broth and white wine reduce into a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s a quick, easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The fresh tomatoes and Parmesan cheese add extra layers of taste and texture, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient Highlights
Shrimp: The shrimp is the star of the dish—large uncooked shrimp that are cooked perfectly to tender, juicy perfection.
Angel Hair Pasta: This pasta provides the ideal base for this dish, soaking up the garlicky sauce beautifully.
White Wine: The dry white wine adds depth and acidity to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan is the finishing touch, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.
Seasonings: A combination of oregano, basil, mustard powder, and paprika brings out the savory flavor, while red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Fresh Shrimp is Key: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess water when cooking.
Use Pasta Water: Be sure to save some pasta water when draining your pasta. It helps make the sauce creamy and helps the Parmesan cheese melt seamlessly into the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before finishing the dish and feel free to add a little salt or lemon pepper seasoning if needed to bring out the flavors.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to sauté them for 1 minute 20 seconds per side for the perfect texture. Remember, they’ll continue to cook once added back to the sauce.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Prep Work
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Combine chicken broth and seasonings (oregano, basil, mustard powder, paprika, red pepper flakes) and set aside.
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Measure out the remaining ingredients. Place the Parmesan cheese in a small jar with a lid for later.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
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Boil the pasta water: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then salt it generously.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1 minute 20 seconds per side until pink and cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
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With the heat still off, pour in white wine. Set the heat to medium and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until reduced by half.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, then add garlic and butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the butter melts.
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Add the chicken broth mixture to the skillet and let it simmer gently for 5-6 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
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Cook angel hair pasta to al dente according to package directions.
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Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Combine the pasta water with the Parmesan cheese in the jar and shake well to combine.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
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Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Pour the Parmesan mixture on top and toss to coat the pasta.
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Add the cooked shrimp and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together and heat through.
Step 6: Serve
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Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt or lemon pepper if desired.
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Squeeze 2-3 lemon wedges over the dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
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Serve with the remaining lemon wedges and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Ideas
Serve this Shrimp Scampi with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal, or pair it with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
This pasta also pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the citrusy and savory flavors of the dish.
Storage
Store any leftover Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to make Shrimp Scampi fresh. However, you can prep the sauce and pasta in advance and quickly combine them when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner. The combination of garlicky white wine sauce, tender shrimp, and angel hair pasta creates a satisfying and elegant dish.
With a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that will impress everyone at your table.
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
For the Scampi:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb large uncooked shrimp
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1 fresh lemon cut into wedges
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded from a block
- ½ cup pasta water
- Salt/Pepper
For the Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth and seasonings, set aside.
- Thaw shrimp and pat dry.
- Boil pasta, reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in skillet, cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp.
- Add white wine to the pan and simmer until reduced. Add garlic and butter, cook until fragrant.
- Add broth mixture and simmer for 5-6 minutes.
- Add pasta, Parmesan mixture, toss to coat.
- Add shrimp and tomatoes, heat through.
- Serve with lemon and parsley.
Notes
- Shrimp Tip: Use large raw shrimp for best texture; avoid pre-cooked. Tail on or off is up to you!
- Wine Substitute: You can substitute white wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
- Cheese Note: Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block for the creamiest texture—pre-shredded won’t melt the same.
- Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to turn up the heat.
- Leftovers: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently on the stove.
