Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: A Family Favorite That’s Easy and Delicious
Welcome to your next favorite family dinner recipe! If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and a delight to eat, you’ve found it in our Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekend dinners, or even when you want to impress guests without too much fuss. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, teaching them valuable cooking skills while having fun. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your household.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta isn’t just about tossing shrimp and pasta together; it’s about creating a meal that’s bursting with flavors yet simple enough to make on any given day. Here’s why this dish is bound to become a staple:
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of about 25 minutes, this dish is ideal for those nights when you want a fabulous meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Kid-Friendly: From squeezing lemons to tossing pasta, there are plenty of safe and enjoyable tasks for kids.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your family’s taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious meal:
- Large or Extra-Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease of eating.
- Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works best to hold onto all the garlicky, buttery goodness.
- Butter and Olive Oil: The base of the scampi sauce, providing richness and depth.
- Garlic: Because what’s shrimp scampi without plenty of garlic?
- Lemon: Adds a fresh, zesty kick to brighten the dish.
- Parsley: For a hint of color and freshness.
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Depending on your preference, both add great flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for the sauce.
Making the Scampi
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp, seasoned with salt and pepper and maybe some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Cook until pink and opaque.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or broth, letting it simmer and reduce slightly, scraping up any bits from the pan.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the shrimp, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Kids in the Kitchen
Encouraging kids to participate in meal preparation can make them more interested in the food they eat and teach them important life skills.
- Measuring Ingredients: Let them help measure out the pasta, liquids, and seasonings.
- Prepping Ingredients: Kids can peel garlic, wash parsley, and help by squeezing the lemon.
- Mixing and Tossing: Under supervision, they can stir the pasta and shrimp together, combining all the delicious flavors.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or additional broth to keep the pasta moist.
Substitutions and Additions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Adding Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
- No Wine: Use extra broth instead if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just add them at the end of cooking to heat through, as they can become rubbery if overcooked.
Q: What can I serve with shrimp scampi? A: While this dish is quite filling on its own, you can serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Q: How can I make this dish creamier? A: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta recipe combines ease, quick prep, and cooking times with delicious, crowd-pleasing flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without too much effort, and it’s sure to impress at any dining table. With opportunities to involve the whole family in the cooking process, it’s not just dinner—it’s an experience.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, rally the troops, and prepare for a culinary adventure that’s sure to end with clean plates and happy hearts. Enjoy your cooking and savor the delicious results!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Equipment
Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Spaghetti Noodles
- 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Butter
- 1 tablespoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Olive Oil
- 3 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Dry White Wine
- 1 pound This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt and Pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, adjust based on your spice preference
- 1/4 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt and Pepper
- 1/4 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Parsley
- This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Lemons
- Crusty bread, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp Scampi: While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth into the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and a little salt.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and serve immediately. Offer crusty bread on the side for dipping into the scrumptious sauce.
Notes
Encourage your little helpers to get involved with safe and fun tasks: Squeezing the Lemon: Kids can help by squeezing the lemon over the shrimp and pasta, adding a fresh zesty flavor.
Tossing the Pasta: Let them mix the pasta with the shrimp and sauce, which is fun and helps them feel like real chefs.
Plating the Dish: They can also help serve the pasta onto plates, practicing their plating skills.
Nutrition
Kitchen Gear and Equipment We Use and Love
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