Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine: A Mouthwatering Italian-American Classic You Need to Try!

Hey foodies! Today I’m super excited to share everything you need to know about one of my absolute favorite pasta dishes – Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine. As someone who’s cooked this dish countless times, I can tell you it’s a total game-changer for both weeknight dinners and special occasions

What is Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine?

Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine is a delicious Italian-American pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp with a light, garlicky, lemony butter sauce served over perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles. The dish brings together the best of both worlds – the classic Italian pasta preparation techniques with American abundance and creativity.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dish

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta (you can also use linguine)
• 1.5 pounds large shrimp (U16-20 size)
• 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work great!)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp:

   • Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done
   • Pat them dry with paper towels
   • Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder

2. Cook the Pasta

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
   • Cook fettuccine 2 minutes less than package directions
   • Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining

3. Make the Scampi Sauce:

   • Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
   • Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink
   • Remove shrimp and set aside
   • In same pan, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes
   • Add white wine and lemon juice
   • Let sauce reduce for 2-3 minutes

4. Bring It All Together:

   • Add partially cooked pasta to the sauce
   • Toss while adding reserved pasta water as needed
   • Return shrimp to the pan
   • Add chopped parsley and grated Parmesan
   • Season to taste

Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine

1. Choose the Right Shrimp:

   • Use fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp
   • U16-20 size is ideal (means 16-20 shrimp per pound)
   • Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easier eating

2. Pasta Perfection:

   • Always salt your pasta water (should taste like seawater!)
   • Cook pasta slightly underdone – it’ll finish cooking in the sauce
   • Save that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for the sauce!

3. Sauce Secrets:

   • Don’t skimp on the garlic
   • Use good quality white wine (if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it!)
   • Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference vs bottled

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the shrimp (they’ll get rubbery!)
• Using pre-cooked shrimp (they’ll end up tough)
• Not saving pasta water (crucial for the perfect sauce consistency)
• Skipping the wine without proper substitution (use chicken broth if needed)

Variations to Try

1. Seafood Mix-up:

   • Add scallops or mussels
   • Mix in some calamari
   • Try it with lobster tail pieces

2. Veggie Boost:

   • Add cherry tomatoes
   • Throw in some spinach
   • Include sautéed mushrooms

3. Pasta Switch:

   • Use linguine
   • Try it with spaghetti
   • Go with angel hair pasta

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Crispy garlic bread
• Light green salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Glass of the same white wine used in cooking

Storage Tips

• Best eaten fresh
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of water or white wine
• Not recommended for freezing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes
2. Impressive: Looks and tastes restaurant-quality
3. Versatile: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions
4. Customizable: Easy to adjust spice levels and ingredients

There ya have it, folks! This Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine recipe is seriously one of my go-to dishes when I want something that’s both impressive and easy to make. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation too!

Remember, cooking should be fun and don’t stress if things aren’t perfect the first time. Each time you make this dish, you’ll discover your own little tricks to make it even better. Now get in that kitchen and start cooking!

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Shrimp scampi and shrimp Alfredo are distinct dishes with different flavor profiles and sauces. Scampi features a light, garlicky sauce of butter, white wine, and lemon, often served over pasta or with bread.

Shrimp scampi is typically served with long, thin pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair. These pasta types are well-suited to absorb the flavorful garlic butter sauce.