Description
This Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta is a flavorful and healthy seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic, lemon, and butter sauce served over nutrient-rich whole wheat spaghetti. The recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a fresh, zesty touch from lemon and parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- salt and black pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Pour the dry white wine or chicken broth into the same skillet and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor.
- Add Lemon and Butter: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and unsalted butter until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together to coat the pasta well in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs loosening.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Substitute whole wheat pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta as a low-carb or allergy-friendly alternative.
- For a richer sauce, a splash of cream can be added when melting the butter.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, citrus flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
