Ultimate Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this Ultimate Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti! This dish is a true delight that melds succulent shrimp with a luscious garlic and lemon-infused sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Your guests will be enchanted by the flavors, and they won't be able to resist coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Created and refined over years of culinary passion, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience that will leave your friends and family raving. Just a heads-up: once you serve this, they won't stop asking for it again! Whether it's a cozy family gathering or an upscale dinner party, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. With a few simple adjustments, it can seamlessly serve larger crowds without losing its magic. Get ready to Mangia!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (to heat)
Minced Garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh)
White Wine
2 tablespoons (dry)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Parsley Flakes
1 tablespoon (dried)
Lemon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Tabasco Sauce
1 teaspoon (or any hot sauce)
Cooked Shrimp
1 lb (cleaned and deveined)
Thin Spaghetti
1/2 lb (uncooked)
Grated Romano Cheese
1/2 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Once boiling, add 1/2 pound of thin spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2
While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it just begins to turn golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
3
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring the mixture. Then add the parsley flakes, lemon pepper, and Tabasco sauce, allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4
Once the time is up, add the cleaned shrimp into the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the rich sauce. Turn off the heat and let the shrimp soak in the flavorful sauce while the spaghetti finishes cooking. Stir occasionally to keep the shrimp well-coated.
5
When the spaghetti is done, drain it and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Carefully pour the shrimp and all of the vibrant sauce over the spaghetti, tossing gently to combine.
6
Generously sprinkle the grated Romano cheese over the top, and serve immediately. Don’t forget to offer extra Romano cheese at the table – after all, there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti?
It is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with a garlic and lemon-infused sauce, served over thin spaghetti.
What type of pasta is best for this shrimp scampi recipe?
Thin spaghetti is the recommended pasta for this recipe as it pairs perfectly with the light, buttery sauce.
How much shrimp do I need for this dish?
The recipe requires 1 pound of cleaned and deveined shrimp.
What kind of cheese should be served with the scampi?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese to be sprinkled over the top before serving.
Can I use Parmesan instead of Romano cheese?
Yes, while Romano is specified for its sharp flavor, Parmesan cheese is a suitable alternative.
What type of wine is recommended for the sauce?
A dry white wine is used to add depth and acidity to the scampi sauce.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
Why is Tabasco sauce included in a shrimp scampi recipe?
A teaspoon of Tabasco sauce is added to provide a subtle heat that balances the richness of the butter and olive oil.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic for only 4 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat until it just turns golden brown, then immediately add the liquids.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding the shrimp?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes after adding the wine, lemon juice, and seasonings to allow the flavors to meld.
When do I add the shrimp to the pan?
Add the shrimp into the skillet after the sauce has finished simmering, then turn off the heat so they can soak in the flavors.
Why is the heat turned off when adding the shrimp?
Turning off the heat prevents the shrimp from overcooking and becoming rubbery while they absorb the sauce.
What does 'al dente' mean for the spaghetti?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite rather than soft or mushy.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best and most vibrant flavor profile.
How much butter and olive oil are required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried flakes?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes, fresh chopped parsley can be substituted for a brighter look.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great dish for upscale dinner parties that is sure to impress guests.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Drain the cooked spaghetti, place it in a serving bowl, pour the shrimp and sauce over it, and toss gently to combine.
What is the role of lemon pepper in this recipe?
Lemon pepper provides both a citrus zing and a mild peppery bite to the sauce.
Can this recipe be scaled for a larger group?
Yes, the recipe can be easily adjusted to serve larger crowds with a few simple increases in ingredient quantities.
What should I do if my guests want more cheese?
The recipe suggests offering extra grated Romano cheese at the table for guests to add as they like.
How much thin spaghetti is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 pound of thin spaghetti.
Is the shrimp scampi sauce thick or thin?
It is a light, vibrant, and liquid-based sauce made from butter, oil, wine, and lemon juice.
How long does it take to cook the garlic?
It takes approximately 4 to 5 minutes to sauté the minced garlic until it is golden brown.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used as long as they are completely thawed, cleaned, and deveined before adding them to the sauce.
What preparation is needed for the butter?
The butter should be melted in the skillet before adding the olive oil and garlic.
What seasonings are added to the wine and lemon mixture?
The seasonings include parsley flakes, lemon pepper, and Tabasco sauce.
Is this a fast recipe to make?
Yes, the total cooking time is relatively short, making it an easy and efficient recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a rich, savory, and tangy profile driven by garlic, butter, and lemon.
Should the pasta water be salted?
Yes, the instructions begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.