Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined, these are the star of the dish, providing a sweet and tender bite.

Linguine: A type of pasta that pairs perfectly with the scampi sauce, but spaghetti can also be used.

Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce.

Olive oil: Used in combination with butter to sauté the garlic and shrimp.

Garlic: Minced, it infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic flavor.

Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a subtle heat to balance the richness of the sauce.

Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce, but chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative.

Lemon: Freshly juiced, it brightens the dish with a zesty tang.

Parsley: Fresh and chopped, it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning.

When cooking shrimp, be mindful not to overcook them. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in about 2-3 minutes per side, and will turn pink and opaque when done. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. To ensure even cooking, make sure the shrimp are in a single layer in the skillet and not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches.

• large shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a great alternative to shrimp.

• linguine - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine has a similar shape and texture, which will hold the sauce well.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, buttery flavor and can withstand higher cooking temperatures.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar level of heat and spice to the dish.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base while keeping the dish vegetarian.

• dry white wine - Substitute with white grape juice: White grape juice offers a similar sweetness and acidity without the alcohol.

• lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a similar tartness and citrus flavor to the dish.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a bright, fresh flavor that can enhance the dish similarly to parsley.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• Allow the shrimp scampi to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the shrimp scampi and pasta into an airtight container. If possible, use a shallow container to ensure even cooling.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, consume within this time frame to enjoy the optimal taste and texture.
• If freezing, place the cooled shrimp scampi and pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Frozen shrimp scampi can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen shrimp scampi in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave. Place the shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to refresh the flavors.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter to the skillet.
  3. Once melted, add the leftover shrimp scampi with pasta.
  4. Stir occasionally, ensuring the shrimp and pasta are evenly heated, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to moisten it up.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp scampi with pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir the dish and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the shrimp scampi with pasta in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to keep it moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp and pasta are heated through.
  6. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the shrimp scampi with pasta in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to keep it moist.
  3. Steam over simmering water for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the shrimp and combining all ingredients.

• Pot: Used for boiling the pasta according to package instructions.

• Colander: A bowl with holes used to drain the cooked pasta.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the shrimp and tossing the pasta with the sauce.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic and red pepper flakes in the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the butter, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.

• Measuring cup: Used for measuring the white wine or chicken broth.

• Citrus juicer: Helps in extracting juice from the lemon efficiently.

• Chef's knife: Essential for mincing the garlic and chopping the parsley.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and mincing ingredients.

• Serving bowl: Used to serve the finished shrimp scampi with pasta.

• Pasta fork: Useful for serving the pasta and ensuring it is well-mixed with the sauce.

Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and devein shrimp in advance. Mince garlic and chop parsley beforehand.

Use pre-cooked pasta: Save time by using pre-cooked pasta; just reheat it in the skillet.

One-pan method: Cook the shrimp and sauce in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.

Quick simmer: Use chicken broth instead of wine for a faster reduction.

Lemon juice prep: Squeeze lemon juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge.