There’s a reason shrimp scampi is a go-to recipe for me this time of year. It’s so simple, so fresh, so light, and so much easier than it looks which means it always impresses. My classic shrimp scampi recipe doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but that’s the beauty of it. Sautéed fresh shrimp sit atop light angel hair pasta, that has been soaked in tangy lemon, spicy red pepper flakes, and plenty of garlic (I’m a garlic lover, #sorrynotsorry). Its rich flavors, and presentation can easily fool you into thinking it’s a fancy meal. BUT secretly know it only took 15 minutes to whip up. One of the best warm (or cold) weather recipes to enjoy around the table (or al fresco if you’re lucky), I’m telling you.
Another thing I love about this meal, it’s almost a “one pot” meal. While the pasta is boiling away (one pot) you’ll begin to build flavor in a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet (two pot). Hands-down, one of my favorite aromas in the kitchen is that of garlic and onions sautéing away in a little butter and olive oil…I mean my mouth is watering just imagining it right now. After you bask in those aromatics for a few minutes, you’ll mix in a light bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, allowing the wine to reduce and the shrimp to cook. While your wine doesn’t have to be as high of quality as the one you’d uncork to go with the meal I do suggest cooking with at least a mid-tier wine. Remember you’re still using it to flavor your food and I would hate for any amazing recipe be ruined by cheap wine. Anyway, once you’ve properly cooked the shrimp, in that same pan or skillet you’ll build your dish; adding the pasta, chopped fresh parsley, lemon wheels, and sprinkles of oregano, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat (I have a heavy hand with the pepper, duh). And voila!
Tell me, friends, is shrimp scampi pasta one of your go-to’s this time of year, too? I’d love to hear how you prepare this crowd-pleaser at home! Truly, MKR
P.S. If you’re looking for warm-weather, patio season wines to pair with this dish, check out my top 8 recommendations. xo
