Looking for a delightful twist on your dinner routine? Try this super easy shrimp scampi spaghetti, perfect for a busy weeknight or a special date night, and this pasta dish is guaranteed to impress with its perfect combination of flavors and simplicity. A scrumptious dish that brings the juicy shrimp mixed with the perfect shrimp scampi sauce.
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PRO TIPS for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti
- Cooking the Shrimp: Sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking and ensure they stay juicy and plump.
- Pasta Choice: Angel hair or long pasta shapes work best with this light, lemony sauce. They absorb the flavor while complementing the shrimp.
Ingredients:
- Large Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing protein and that classic seafood flavor.
- Fresh Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes: Offer a burst of freshness and a vibrant tang, integral to the garlicky sauce.
- Dry White Wine: Deglazes the pan and infuses the shrimp with a subtle acidity for the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Brighten the dish with a touch of citrus, enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish that complements the creamy sauce.
How to make Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti
Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions or until you have al dente pasta.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prep the Vegetables:
- Wash all produce thoroughly.
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add little olive oil.
- Add the diced onions to the pan and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they begin to lightly brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add raw shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are light pink and cooked through.
Add Pesto and Cream:
- Stir in the green pesto until well combined with the shrimp.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Tomatoes and Spinach:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and let them simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the spinach and continue to cook for 3 more minutes until the spinach has wilted.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve:
- Divide the pasta among four serving bowls.
- Generously top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This Easy Shrimp Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients and flavors into a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting weekend feast!
Substitutions:
Cream Alternative: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter dish.
Other Methods:
While this recipe focuses on the stovetop, you can also bake the shrimp scampi in the oven for a different result, combining all ingredients in a baking dish and cooking until the shrimp are perfectly tender.
Nutrition Insight:
This dish is rich in protein and can be adjusted to increase its healthiness. Opt for whole-grain pasta and increase the vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost fiber content.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your shrimp scampi spaghetti with a glass of the same white wine used in cooking for a harmonious dining experience. Enjoy this delightful meal that promises a restaurant-quality taste with the comfort of home cooking!
How to Store Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently, adding a little water if the pasta absorbs the sauce.
Easy Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 lbs spaghetti
- 1 lbs raw shrimp peeled and divined
- 1 pint cherry tomato
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp green pesto
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- Wash all your produce.
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Half the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil, add diced onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the peeled shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, or until light pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Then add the pesto, stir until well combined.
- Add the heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for a few more minutes.
- Then add the diced cherry tomatoes. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Then add the spinach, cook for 3 more minutes, and remove from heat.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti in the sauce and divide over 4 serving bowls.
- Top with parmesan cheese.
FAQs about easy shrimp scampi pasta recipe
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry to avoid wateriness in the sauce.
- What can I serve with this? A side salad or crusty bread complements this dish wonderfully.
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
