Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Adding shrimp to prawns is a classic – simple, full of taste, and filling due to the pasta. But the really important part of this classic shrimp scampi pasta isn’t the pasta or the shrimp – it is the flavours that are added to them. This is what makes the whole thing more than just some seafood and spaghetti. Let’s check them out.
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What is scampi?
One of the fun things about recipes is figuring out when something is a recipe for a completely different thing that you thought. Here in the UK, scampi is a dish in its own right. It is made with chopped up Norwegian lobster, also known as langoustine and then coated in breadcrumbs. It is a popular weeknight dinner and you often see it at traditional British fish and chip shops!
Imagine my surprise when I found the recipe for creamy shrimp scampi – and there wasn’t a breadcrumb in sight. But there was pasta? And shrimp, or prawns as we call them?
The fun thing is that in the US, shrimp scampi uses large shrimp and adds flavour to them before serving them with spaghetti. So I had to try it out, being a fan of both shrimp and pasta.
What’s the best pasta for shrimp scampi?
The type of pasta you choose for a dish does play a big part in how successful it is. For this recipe, we used spaghetti which is easy to cook and sits well under the shrimp. You could also use ribbon style pasta like linguine or even some of the really thin stuff like angel hair pasta.
Because this dish has flavourings rather than sauce, it is better to use this kind of pasta rather than something like penne or fusilli. That’s because there isn’t much to stick to the pasta so it can end up being a little bland.
What you need to make shrimp scampi pasta
- Spaghetti: Opt for high-quality spaghetti for this recipe; the texture and taste can significantly enhance the dish. A good rule of thumb is to choose brands that hail from Italy for an authentic touch.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish to your liking. It also contributes a creamy richness that elevates the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Large Red Onion: A large, fresh red onion should have smooth, shiny skin and feel firm to the touch. Red onions add a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the shrimp wonderfully.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves, rather than pre-minced garlic, will give your dish a more vibrant flavor. Look for cloves that are plump and have a papery skin.
- Ground Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that’s not overpowering. It pairs especially well with shrimp, bringing depth to the dish.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: High-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper make all the difference in seasoning your dish. They enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than masking them.
- Large Shrimp: For the best results, use fresh, large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. The size of the shrimp not only contributes to the presentation but also ensures a juicy, succulent bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a light, fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory elements of the dish. Always opt for fresh over dried for the best taste.
- Large Lemons: Look for large, firm lemons with bright, unblemished skins. Fresh lemon juice will add a zesty, vibrant flavor to the dish that elevates it to the next level.
Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!
Kitchen equipment
- Large pan
- Large skillet
- Colander
How to make the recipe
STEP 1: Heat the large pan filled with salted water until boiling then add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to packet instructions
STEP 2: Take a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the red onion, garlic and ground cumin. Season with salt and black pepper and mix. Stir occasionally until the onion softens and changes colour, usually 6-7 minutes
STEP 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently until it changes colour and starts to curl, 2-3 minutes – be careful not to overcook as it will go very tough
STEP 4: Remove from the heat and add the parsley and a couple of squeezes of fresh lemon juice. Season again if needed and stir
STEP 5: When the spaghetti is cooked, remove from the heat and pour into a colander. Rinse quickly with warm water and shake off excess posture.
STEP 6: Add to a plate and top with the shrimp mixture, lemon wedges and grated Parmesan
Substitutions and Additions
- Spaghetti: For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. If you’re looking to add more fiber and nutrients, whole wheat spaghetti is a great choice.
- Unsalted Butter: If you’re dairy-free, consider using a high-quality olive oil or a vegan butter substitute to achieve a rich flavor profile.
- Large Red Onion: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onions if you’re looking for a slightly sweeter and more subtle flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: While fresh garlic is preferred, in a pinch, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for each clove, but the fresh punch of flavor will be diminished.
- Ground Cumin: Coriander can serve as an alternative to ground cumin, offering a different but equally aromatic taste to the dish.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Kosher salt can replace sea salt, and white pepper can be used instead of black pepper for a slightly different flavor profile and a less visible presence in the dish.
- Large Shrimp: For a vegetarian twist, consider using chunks of firm tofu or a plant-based shrimp substitute. If shrimp isn’t available, large pieces of chicken breast can also work well.
- Fresh Parsley: If fresh parsley isn’t on hand, other fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be used, although they will slightly alter the dish’s flavor profile.
- Large Lemons: In absence of fresh lemons, lime can be a great substitute, offering a similarly fresh tang to the dish.
Additions to Try:
- Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic and onions for an extra layer of flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and a sweet, juicy flavor.
- Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat, which adds a spicy kick to the dish.
- Incorporate capers or olives for a briny contrast that enhances the overall savory notes.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an added depth of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Recipe tips
- White wine: if you want, you can add a splash of white wine into the dish to enhance the flavour. Or you can just enjoy a glass with it! An ideal pairing is Sauvignon blanc as this works well with the flavours and has the right amounts of acids.
- Herbs: don’t be tempted to grab the dried herbs for the recipe – always use fresh parsley. Roughly chop it and add it to the dish for colour and flavour. You can always try changing parsley for a little basil too, if you like.
- Add cream: I must admit, I like a bit more sauce with pasta dishes. So if you are like me, add some heavy (double) cream to the mixture towards the end, especially if you are adding a little wine. Just be careful not to overcook when you have the cream in, or it can split.
- Spinach: you can also transform this into a creamy shrimp and spinach pasta recipe if you add some spinach to the mixture. If you add this, pop it in as you cook the shrimp, so it is wilted but not too cooked.
Storage & reheating
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the pasta and shrimp mixture separate from any fresh garnishes like parsley or lemon wedges to maintain the quality of those ingredients.
Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this dish. Pasta can become mushy when thawed, and shrimp can become rubbery, compromising the texture and overall quality of the meal.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta and shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally until evenly heated. It’s best to add fresh garnishes like parsley and lemon juice after reheating to refresh the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this delightful spaghetti and shrimp dish as a standalone meal or pair it with complementary sides for a more rounded dining experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve with a Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is ideal for mopping up any remaining sauce, adding a satisfying crunch and robust flavor to the meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a healthier side, consider steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add color and nutrition to your plate.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of the shrimp and garlic beautifully, making for an elegant pairing.
- Lemon Sorbet: Finish off the meal with a refreshing lemon sorbet, echoing the citrusy notes of the dish and cleansing the palate.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
While fresh, large shrimp are recommended for optimal flavor and texture, pre-cooked shrimp can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking, as this can make them rubbery.
What kind of pasta can I substitute for spaghetti?
This recipe is versatile and can accommodate various types of pasta. Linguine, fettuccine, or even shorter pastas like penne or farfalle can be excellent substitutes for spaghetti.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan cheese for garnishing?
Yes, for a dairy-free alternative, you can opt for nutritional yeast, which provides a similar cheesy flavor, or look for a vegan Parmesan cheese available in many health food stores.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp and pasta components in advance, but for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to combine them and add the fresh garnishes just before serving.
How can I adjust the recipe to make it spicier?
To add more heat to the dish, consider including more red pepper flakes to taste. You could also add diced fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this shrimp spaghetti can be a part of your meal prep routine. Cook everything as instructed, then portion out servings for the week. Remember that the quality is best within the first 3 days, so plan to enjoy it early in the week.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Make a delicious creamy shrimp scampi pasta dish to upgrade your seafood menu and have something easy to make for the whole family
Ingredients
- 1 16-oz. box spaghetti
- 2 T. unsalted butter
- ½ large red onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ t. ground cumin, divided
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1¼ lbs. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 T. fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large lemons, cut into wedges, divided
Instructions
STEP 1: Heat the large pan filled with salted water until boiling then add the spaghetti and cook according to packet instructions
STEP 2: Take a large skillet over medium heat and add the red onion, garlic and ground cumin. Season with salt and black pepper and mix. Stir occasionally until the onion softens and changes colour, usually 6-7 minutes
STEP 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently until it changes colour and starts to curl, 2-3 minutes – be careful not to overcook as it will go very tough
STEP 4: Remove from the heat and add the parsley and a couple of squeezes of fresh lemon juice. Season again if needed and stir
STEP 5: When the spaghetti is cooked, remove from the heat and pour into a colander. Rinse quickly with warm water and shake off excess posture.
STEP 6: Add to a serving platter and top with the shrimp mixture, lemon wedges and grated Parmesan
Notes
If you don't like spaghetti, swap the pasta for linguine or angel hair pasta
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 416Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 314mgSodium: 1426mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 39g
