If you’ve ever been to a dinner party where shrimp scampi made an appearance, you know what a treat that can be. The buttery garlic sauce clinging to the pasta, the succulent shrimp, and a hint of lemon sing in harmony.
Pair it with a crisp side salad or a piece of crusty bread, and you’ve got a dish that’s nothing short of a showstopper!
Today, I’m excited to share my take on a classic: shrimp scampi pasta, and guess what? There’s no wine involved. Whether you’re avoiding alcohol or simply don’t have a bottle on hand, this version will still burst with flavor and leave your guests wanting more.
What is Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Shrimp scampi pasta is a beloved dish that marries shrimp with garlic, olive oil, butter, lemon, and herbs, often served over pasta. Traditionally, recipes may include white wine, but avoiding that allows for other delightful flavors to shine through.
The Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather what we need. Trust me, this dish is simple with just a few key components:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6-8 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 servings of angel hair pasta
- 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 ½ tsp honey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Without Wine?
This dish is quick and easy. You’ll want to follow the steps carefully, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the cooking, shall we?
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling away, add in the angel hair pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Save a bit of the pasta water; it may come in handy!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp to the pan. Season it lightly with salt. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Garlic and Butter Time
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sliced garlic. Stir gently to prevent burning. You want the garlic to become golden and fragrant, which should take about a minute.
Step 4: Mix in the Flavor
Once fragrant, it’s time to add the lemon zest, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir this concoction into the melted butter and garlic. The flavors are already enticing, and your kitchen should smell divine.
Step 5: Bring it Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic mixture. Then, add the drained pasta along with the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, smoked paprika, and chopped parsley.
If it seems a bit dry, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it’s the desired consistency.
Step 6: Serving
Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve. Dish it out onto plates and sprinkle with more parsley and devilish chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Enjoy!
Notes
Here are some handy tips for making this dish even better:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always give you the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Garlic: If eight cloves seem excessive, feel free to cut back. Garlic lovers, however, should embrace it!
- Don’t Skip Parsley: Fresh parsley isn’t just for decoration. It brightens the dish significantly.
- Pasta Water is Gold: That extra starchy water can save a dry dish, so save a little.
- Experiment with Heat: If you like heat, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes or even some chopped fresh chili.
Storage Tips
No one wants to waste delicious food! Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it’s dry.
- Freeze: You can freeze it, but the texture of shrimp may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Here are five mouthwatering ideas to complement your shrimp scampi pasta:
- Garlic Bread: This classic pairing is almost mandatory. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A salad dressed lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds crunch and freshness.
- Steamed Asparagus: The bright green asparagus pairs well with the shrimp and adds nutrition.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant make for a great grilled side.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of lemon sorbet is a refreshing conclusion to a hearty meal.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Shrimp Scampi Pasta Without Wine?
If you’re missing some ingredients or wish to spark things up, consider these substitutes:
- Pasta Type: Substitute angel hair pasta with fettuccine, linguine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Shrimp Alternative: Chicken breast, scallops, or even mushrooms can replace shrimp for a different take.
- Herbs: No parsley? Basil or cilantro can provide a fresh flavor twist.
- Butter: Substitute with vegan butter or olive oil for a plant-based version, without losing creaminess.
- Sweetness: If honey isn’t available, agave syrup or maple syrup works well.
Conclusion
Cooking shrimp scampi pasta without wine is not just easy but also tasty and satisfying! You’ve learned the steps to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and love. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering where you want to impress.
As someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, I can attest to how rewarding it is to recreate recipes without strictly following traditional methods. By using what you have on hand, you keep the cooking fun and exciting.
Give it a try and watch as your family and friends ask for seconds. Cheers to delicious cooking!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- Macaroni Cheese with Butternut Squash Copycat Recipe
- How to Make Stove Top Pot Roast
- Best King’s Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Sliders Recipe
How To Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta Without Wine – Delicious Meal Ideas
Description
If you’ve ever been to a dinner party where shrimp scampi made an appearance, you know what a treat that can be. The buttery garlic sauce clinging to the pasta, the succulent shrimp, and a hint of lemon sing in harmony.
Pair it with a crisp side salad or a piece of crusty bread, and you’ve got a dish that’s nothing short of a showstopper!
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
-
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling away, add in the angel hair pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Save a bit of the pasta water; it may come in handy!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp to the pan. Season it lightly with salt. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Garlic and Butter Time
-
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sliced garlic. Stir gently to prevent burning. You want the garlic to become golden and fragrant, which should take about a minute.
Step 4: Mix in the Flavor
-
Once fragrant, it’s time to add the lemon zest, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir this concoction into the melted butter and garlic. The flavors are already enticing, and your kitchen should smell divine.
Step 5: Bring it Together
-
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic mixture. Then, add the drained pasta along with the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, smoked paprika, and chopped parsley.
If it seems a bit dry, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it’s the desired consistency.
Step 6: Serving
-
Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve. Dish it out onto plates and sprinkle with more parsley and devilish chili flakes if you're feeling spicy. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 356kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30.1g47%
- Saturated Fat 12.6g63%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 78mg26%
- Sodium 1806mg76%
- Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always give you the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Garlic: If eight cloves seem excessive, feel free to cut back. Garlic lovers, however, should embrace it!
- Don't Skip Parsley: Fresh parsley isn't just for decoration. It brightens the dish significantly.
- Pasta Water is Gold: That extra starchy water can save a dry dish, so save a little.
- Experiment with Heat: If you like heat, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes or even some chopped fresh chili.
