This Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the perfect balance of savory shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and the bright citrus zing of lemon. The smooth and tangy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, making every bite a satisfying and flavorful experience.
With the addition of fresh parsley, this dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing. The shrimp adds a touch of elegance, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and special occasions. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy seafood, and the lemon twist makes it fresh and light, perfect for a warm evening.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 oz linguine pasta
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 2 lemons
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1/4 cup dry white wine
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and white wine. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Stir in the butter until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta: A Flavorful, Light, and Quick Dinner Idea
When you’re looking for a delicious yet simple meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the perfect solution. Combining the vibrant zest of fresh lemon, the rich, savory flavor of garlic and butter, and succulent shrimp, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. Not only is it easy to make, but it also offers an elevated dining experience, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. If you are a seafood lover, this dish is bound to impress.
The Perfect Combination of Ingredients
Shrimp scampi is a popular Italian-American dish that is characterized by the rich garlic-butter sauce that envelopes the shrimp, with a splash of white wine adding depth to the flavor. However, the twist in this version of shrimp scampi is the inclusion of fresh lemon juice and zest. The lemon adds a burst of freshness and a zesty balance to the buttery sauce, elevating the dish to a new level of flavor.
What makes this pasta dish so delightful is the simplicity of the ingredients. The garlic, butter, and shrimp are the main flavor carriers, but the addition of lemon brings brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Using linguine pasta ensures the sauce clings to the strands, creating the perfect bite with every forkful. The fresh parsley garnish gives the dish a pop of color and additional freshness, making it not only delicious but visually appealing.
The Importance of Fresh Shrimp
The key to an unforgettable shrimp scampi is the quality of the shrimp. Fresh, high-quality shrimp can make a world of difference in the final taste of your dish. While frozen shrimp are convenient and more affordable, fresh shrimp (if available) will provide a much more tender texture and a more pronounced seafood flavor. If you must use frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them properly before cooking to avoid any rubbery or overly firm texture.
When choosing shrimp for your scampi, look for large or jumbo shrimp. These shrimp hold up better in the cooking process, absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, and are visually stunning when plated. Additionally, always peel and devein the shrimp for a cleaner presentation and better eating experience.
A Balanced Dish for Any Occasion
Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a versatile dish that works well for various occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal, preparing a special dinner for friends and family, or hosting a romantic dinner for two, this recipe fits the bill. It’s light enough to enjoy on a warm evening but also satisfying enough to be comforting when you’re craving a hearty meal.
One of the highlights of this dish is how easily it can be customized. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add more garlic for a stronger flavor. If you’re looking to lighten it up even further, you can serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta. The lemony sauce pairs wonderfully with other vegetables as well, so feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even a handful of arugula to bring in extra flavor and nutrition.
The Perfect Sauce
The star of any shrimp scampi dish is the sauce. It’s rich, buttery, and full of garlicky goodness. However, the key to a great shrimp scampi sauce is in achieving the right balance of flavors. The garlic should be sautéed until fragrant but not burnt, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. The white wine brings acidity and depth to the sauce, while the butter adds a luxurious richness.
The addition of lemon juice and zest is crucial to cutting through the richness of the butter and wine. The acidity of the lemon complements the shrimp and brightens the sauce, making the whole dish feel fresh and light. Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water to help thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta, creating the perfect consistency.
Why Choose Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
There are many reasons why Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a go-to dish. First, it’s a quick and easy recipe. From prep to plate, you can have it ready in about 25 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients also means you don’t have to spend a lot of time hunting down exotic items at the grocery store.
Second, it’s a relatively light dish. While pasta can sometimes feel heavy, the zesty lemon in this recipe ensures the dish feels refreshing rather than overwhelming. It’s filling enough to be a main course, but light enough that you won’t feel sluggish afterward.
Finally, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can make it as simple or as intricate as you like. Whether you keep it basic with just shrimp, garlic, and pasta or toss in vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor, the recipe is flexible enough to suit a variety of preferences and dietary needs.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines offer enough acidity to complement the lemony flavors of the dish without overpowering the shrimp. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a citrusy mocktail can be a refreshing choice.
This dish can be served with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion:
Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and rich garlic butter sauce combine to create a meal that is both indulgent and light. With its versatility and ability to be customized, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, Lemony Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your cravings for something fresh, flavorful, and comforting.