Description
This delicious Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce with healthy whole wheat spaghetti. The dish is finished with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan, making it a flavorful, light, and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Set pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp evenly in a single layer to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
- Add Lemon and Butter: Stir in the lemon juice and unsalted butter until the butter is melted and combined, creating a light sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Then add the cooked pasta and toss everything together gently. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure the pasta is well coated.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest or substitute fresh parsley with fresh basil.
- To make the recipe dairy-free, omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
