Creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair
Indulge in this delightful creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi served over tender angel hair pasta, inspired by the famous Cheesecake Factory dish. This restaurant-style recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed to golden perfection, complemented by a rich, creamy sauce infused with white wine, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic. Simple yet elegant, this one-pot meal is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, sure to impress your family and friends!
4
Servings
495
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh shrimp
1-2 lb (cleaned, deveined, and butterflied)
Angel hair pasta
1 lb
Tomato
1 (diced)
Garlic cloves
6-8 (whole)
Shallot
1 (diced)
Heavy cream
1 pint
Dry white wine
1 cup
Olive oil
as needed (for frying)
Fresh basil leaves
5-7 (chiffonade)
Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons (finely grated)
Parsley
for garnish
Milk
as needed (for soaking)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, pour enough olive oil to cover the bottom and heat over medium high heat. This will be the only pot you'll use for the sauce, so ensure it's spacious.
2
In a bowl, soak the cleaned shrimp in milk. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dredge the shrimp in the dry mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
3
Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil, frying them for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the shrimp, allowing excess oil to drip off, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to keep warm. If necessary, add more oil between batches.
4
With the pan still on medium heat, add the whole garlic cloves and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the dry white wine, bringing it to a boil. Cover and let the wine reduce for 10-15 minutes.
5
While the wine is reducing, start a separate pot of water and bring it to a gentle simmer for the pasta.
6
Next, add the heavy cream to the wine and bring the mixture back to a boil before reducing the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
While the sauce simmers, dice the shallot and tomato, and chiffonade the fresh basil.
8
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the diced shallot, tomato, fresh basil, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
9
Gently fold in the fried shrimp and remove the pan from heat. The residual heat will keep the shrimp warm and allow flavors to meld.
10
Cook the angel hair pasta in the simmering water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
11
To serve, plate the pasta by forming a nest atop a generous ladle of the creamy shrimp sauce. Arrange shrimp beautifully around the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
44g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair?
It is a restaurant-style dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed to golden perfection in a rich, creamy sauce infused with white wine, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic, served over tender angel hair pasta.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses one pound of angel hair pasta, which perfectly complements the light yet rich cream sauce.
How many servings does this shrimp scampi recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 495 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 28g of protein.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
The shrimp should be cleaned, deveined, and butterflied before being soaked in milk and dredged in the flour mixture.
Why is the shrimp soaked in milk?
Soaking the shrimp in milk helps the flour and Parmesan cheese mixture adhere better to the shrimp, creating a golden crust when fried.
What ingredients are in the dredging mixture?
The coating consists of 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How long should I fry the shrimp?
The coated shrimp should be fried in hot olive oil for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
What type of wine is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry white wine, which is reduced to concentrate the flavors.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe uses 6 to 8 whole garlic cloves to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a very mild heat coming from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper included in the shrimp coating.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the signature richness, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less thick.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes one diced tomato and one diced shallot for added texture and flavor.
What does 'chiffonade' mean regarding the basil?
Chiffonade is a slicing technique where herbs are stacked, rolled, and sliced into thin ribbons.
How long does it take to reduce the wine?
The white wine should be covered and reduced over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes.
When do I add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce?
The fried shrimp should be gently folded into the sauce after it has thickened and the vegetables have been added, just before serving.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
The sauce is made in a single large saucepan, though a separate pot is used to boil the angel hair pasta.
What should I use for garnish?
The dish is best garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 23g of fat in each serving of this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 44g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before soaking in milk and dredging.
What is the best way to plate this dish?
Plate the pasta by forming a nest on top of a ladle of sauce, then arrange the shrimp around the pasta.
How do I ensure the pasta is 'al dente'?
Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions, usually only for 2-3 minutes, until it is tender but still firm to the bite.
Can I make this dish without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or white grape juice mixed with a splash of lemon juice.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Olive oil is recommended for frying the shrimp to add to the Mediterranean flavor profile.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese: 2 in the shrimp coating and 2 in the sauce.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper are included in the shrimp coating.
Can I store leftovers of this dish?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the shrimp is best enjoyed fresh.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi is inspired by the famous version served at The Cheesecake Factory.