Indulge in the irresistible combination of succulent shrimp, rich butter, aromatic garlic, and bright lemon in a velvety white wine sauce. This **Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta** recipe is a beloved classic, offering a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal that brings gourmet Italian-American dining right to your kitchen table. Perfectly plump shrimp are tossed with delicate angel hair pasta, all coated in a vibrant, savory sauce that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Craving more exquisite shrimp pasta dishes? Be sure to explore my delightful Shrimp Puttanesca and the robust Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta for equally satisfying culinary adventures!
Is there anything quite as satisfying as tender, juicy garlic shrimp delicately nestled among swirls of thin pasta, all bathed in an exquisite sauce? We think not! This Shrimp Scampi recipe stands out as an exceptional choice, perfectly crafted for all seafood enthusiasts seeking a fuss-free yet sophisticated dining experience. Each strand of angel hair pasta is luxuriantly coated in a mouth-watering white wine garlic sauce, beautifully enhanced with fresh herbs and a hint of zesty lemon. It’s a culinary masterpiece that promises a fresh, easy, and profoundly delicious meal, ideal for any day of the week.
If your search is for a truly easy weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor – a dish that doubles as a delightful and impressive dinner – then, my dear friends, this remarkably simple yet utterly delicious shrimp scampi pasta recipe is unequivocally for you. Prepare to enjoy a taste of pure culinary bliss. Bon appétit!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Essential Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
- Pro Tips for Perfect Scampi
- Step-by-Step Instructions to Master This Dish
- What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi and Pasta
- Wine Pairing with Shrimp Scampi
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Recipe FAQs
- More Irresistible Seafood Recipes
- Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Effortless Shrimp Scampi Recipe
This Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and exceptional taste. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire:
– **Ultimate Ease of Preparation:** Shrimp is incredibly forgiving and cooks rapidly, making it one of the simplest seafood options to prepare. This recipe capitalizes on that, ensuring a gourmet meal can be on your table in under 35 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you still crave something special without the fuss.
– **Speedy Weeknight Dinner Solution:** Imagine cooking your pasta to al dente perfection while simultaneously preparing the vibrant shrimp and its luxurious sauce. This streamlined process means you can whip up a fancy-looking dinner faster than ordering takeout, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous dinners or when time is of the essence.
– **Explosive, Balanced Flavor Profile:** The harmonious blend of fresh garlic, bright lemon, and rich butter creates a silken, light sauce that gracefully coats every strand of pasta. It’s deeply flavorful without feeling heavy, ensuring each bite is a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The addition of white wine adds depth and sophistication, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
– **Versatile and Customizable:** Whether you prefer a specific type of pasta, need to adapt for dietary restrictions, or wish to add extra vegetables, this recipe offers immense flexibility. It’s a fantastic canvas for creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences while retaining its core deliciousness.
– **Impressive Yet Simple:** Despite its elegant appearance and restaurant-quality taste, this shrimp scampi is surprisingly straightforward to make. It’s the perfect dish to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself and your family to a beautiful, homemade meal that tastes like it took hours, but only took minutes.
Essential Shrimp Scampi Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
For a complete list of precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
Jumbo Shrimp: Opting for jumbo shrimp ensures plump, juicy bites that truly stand out in this dish. I often choose frozen shrimp for convenience, as it allows me to keep a supply on hand without worrying about freshness deadlines. Just remember to thaw them completely before cooking. If your shrimp come with shells or veins, make sure to peel and devein them thoroughly for the best texture and taste.
Angel Hair Pasta: While many long pasta types work, angel hair is my top choice for shrimp scampi. Its delicate, fine strands create an elegant presentation, effortlessly twirling around your fork, and it’s excellent at absorbing every drop of the luxurious sauce. The light texture of angel hair beautifully complements the tender shrimp. Should angel hair not be available, feel free to use other long-cut pastas like spaghetti, linguini, or bucatini, adjusting the cooking time according to package directions to achieve perfect al dente results.
Dry White Wine: The secret to an authentic and deeply flavored scampi sauce! Always select a dry white wine that you genuinely enjoy drinking, as its flavor will concentrate in the sauce. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices, offering crispness and a subtle fruitiness that enhances the seafood without overpowering it. This recipe only calls for ½ cup, leaving you with plenty to savor alongside your meal.
Parmesan Cheese: For an unparalleled burst of flavor and a superior texture, grate your own fresh Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the cheese clump and diminish its fresh taste, leading to a stale or gritty finish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty depth that is simply divine. Save any leftover fresh Parmesan to elevate future dishes like my Chimichurri Shrimp or a comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley): In my kitchen, fresh herbs are non-negotiable for vibrant, authentic flavors. For this scampi recipe, fresh parsley is key. Its bright, peppery notes offer a beautiful contrast and freshness to the rich garlic-butter sauce. Avoid dried parsley, as it simply won’t deliver the same aromatic punch.
Herbes de Provence: While many recipes default to Italian seasoning, I find that Herbes de Provence brings a more complex and aromatic depth to the scampi. This classic French blend typically includes savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, often with lavender, providing a distinctly fragrant and robust flavor profile. In a pinch, Italian seasoning can be used, but the richer aroma of Herbes de Provence is truly worth the extra effort to seek out for an elevated culinary experience.
Clever Substitutions to Customize Your Scampi
This Shrimp Scampi recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or simply what you have on hand:
– White Wine Alternative: If you prefer to cook without alcohol, chicken broth makes an excellent substitute for white wine. Use the exact same quantity specified in the recipe card for a similarly savory depth.
– Vary the Pasta: Don’t limit yourself to angel hair! This delicious scampi sauce pairs beautifully with various pasta shapes. Feel free to use spaghetti, bucatini, or linguini – their surfaces are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauce. For a fun twist, consider short pastas like penne or rigatoni too!
– Make it Low-Carb: Easily transform this into a low-carb meal by swapping traditional pasta for tender zucchini noodles. Spiralized zucchini absorbs the sauce beautifully, offering a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
– Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is simple to adapt for gluten-free diets. Just use your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta (rice pasta, corn pasta, or legume-based pasta) and follow the package instructions for cooking. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
Pro Tips for Achieving Perfect Shrimp Scampi Every Time
- **Master the Garlic Finely:** The key to a truly exquisite garlic butter sauce is finely minced garlic. Large chunks of garlic can be overpowering and disrupt the silky texture of the sauce. For the best flavor distribution, use a microplane grater or a garlic press to achieve a super-fine texture that melts seamlessly into the sauce, imparting its delicious aroma without any harsh bites.
- **Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection:** Undercooked pasta is hard, and overcooked pasta is mushy. Aim for “al dente,” which means “to the tooth.” This refers to pasta that is firm yet tender, offering a slight resistance when bitten. Always follow the package directions precisely, and taste your pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it reaches this ideal texture. Al dente pasta also holds up better when tossed with the sauce.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** When sautéing the shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, causing the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in tough, rubbery shrimp. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary, ensuring they have enough space to achieve that beautiful pink color and tender-crisp texture.
- **Reserve Pasta Water – It’s Liquid Gold:** This is a crucial step for achieving a luscious, restaurant-quality sauce. The starchy water leftover from boiling your pasta acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the butter and oil in your scampi sauce to bind together, creating a thick, glossy, and incredibly silky consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta. Always reserve at least one cup before draining your pasta.
- **Fresh Lemon Zest for Brightness:** Don’t skip the lemon zest! While lemon juice provides tang, the zest contains fragrant oils that add a vibrant, aromatic lift to the dish, enhancing the overall freshness and balancing the richness of the butter and garlic. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Master This Delicious Dish
- **Prepare the Shrimp:** Begin by thoroughly patting your jumbo shrimp dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a beautiful sear. Season the shrimp generously with garlic powder, a portion of the Herbes de Provence, and kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss gently to ensure even coating, then set them aside while you prepare the other components of your meal.
- **Cook the Pasta and Reserve Water:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until it is perfectly al dente. This typically takes only 2-3 minutes for angel hair. Before draining the pasta, ladle out and reserve at least one cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is essential for achieving a silky, emulsified sauce. Drain the pasta immediately once al dente.
- **Sauté the Shrimp:** In a large skillet or wide pan, melt half of the butter with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering and fragrant, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque pink and curl slightly. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate; they will finish cooking in the sauce later.
- **Build the Flavorful Sauce:** Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the finely diced shallots and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), stir in the remaining Herbes de Provence, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce by half, which concentrates the flavors beautifully. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- **Finish the Sauce and Combine:** Once the wine has reduced, stir in the fresh lemon juice and delicate lemon zest. Gradually whisk in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the sauce starts to thicken and emulsify, forming a glossy, irresistible coating. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed.
- **Toss and Serve:** Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss vigorously to ensure every strand is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss to combine and warm through. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra layer of warmth, sprinkle with a little chili pepper for a spicy kick!
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi and Pasta: Complementary Pairings
Shrimp scampi with angel hair pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with thoughtful side dishes that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some delicious ideas to round out your dining experience:
– **Crusty Bread for Sopping:** A must-have! The garlic-butter sauce is too good to leave behind. Serve with slices of warm Sourdough Garlic Bread, a rustic loaf of artisan bread, or homemade focaccia to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
– **Light and Crisp Green Salad:** To balance the richness of the pasta, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. Think mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple lemon-herb dressing.
– **Roasted or Steamed Vegetables:** Add a touch of freshness and extra nutrients with a side of tender-crisp vegetables. Roasted asparagus, broccoli florets, or green beans tossed with a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice make excellent companions.
– **Elegant Appetizers:** If you’re hosting a dinner party and want to start with something special, consider a light seafood appetizer. As a fellow seafood lover, I highly recommend a delicate Hamachi Crudo or a rich, creamy Lobster Bisque to precede the scampi, creating a truly memorable seafood feast.
– **Sweet Finish:** For a quintessential Italian dining experience, conclude your meal with a classic dessert. My authentic Italian Tiramisu offers a delightful contrast of coffee-soaked layers and creamy mascarpone, providing a perfect sweet ending.
The Perfect Wine Pairing for Shrimp Scampi: Elevating Your Meal
Shrimp Scampi is celebrated for its harmonious blend of rich, savory flavors, featuring prominent notes of garlic, butter, and zesty lemon, often with a hint of white wine. Selecting the right wine to accompany this delightful dish is crucial for enhancing its delicate nuances and creating a truly exceptional dining experience. You’ll want a wine that can both complement the dish’s richness and cut through its buttery texture with refreshing acidity.
Here are some top recommendations for ideal wine pairings:
– **Buttery Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked):** While a heavily oaked Chardonnay might overpower the shrimp, an unoaked or lightly oaked version can be a spectacular choice. It offers a lovely weight and a subtle creaminess that harmonizes beautifully with the butter in the scampi sauce, often bringing notes of apple and citrus that resonate with the lemon. Look for those from Chablis or specific regions known for their lighter touch with oak.
– **Crisp Sauvignon Blanc:** This is a classic and highly recommended pairing. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity and bright, herbaceous, and citrus-forward notes (think grapefruit, lime, and gooseberry). This crispness provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the scampi, cleansing the palate and highlighting the fresh flavors of the shrimp, garlic, and parsley.
– **Elegant Pinot Grigio/Gris:** Another excellent choice, Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) offers a refreshing character with subtle mineral notes and hints of green apple, pear, and sometimes a touch of almond. Its dry profile and balanced acidity make it versatile and perfectly suited to complement the delicate flavors of the shrimp without competing with them.
– **Sparkling Wine (Prosecco or Citrus-Forward Champagne):** Don’t underestimate the power of bubbles! A dry Prosecco or a crisp, citrus-forward Champagne can be a fantastic pairing. The effervescence and high acidity act as a palate cleanser, while the bright fruit notes complement the lemon and herbs in the scampi. This pairing adds a festive and luxurious touch to your meal.
When choosing, remember the rule: if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it! The quality of the wine used in your sauce, and served alongside, will significantly impact your enjoyment.
Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi Leftovers: Best Practices
This Shrimp Scampi is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, hot off the skillet. However, if you find yourself with delightful leftovers, proper storage and reheating can ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat.
To store, transfer any cooled leftover shrimp scampi to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator promptly. It will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 days. Beyond that, the texture of the shrimp and pasta can start to degrade, and the flavors may not be as vibrant.
When you’re ready to reheat, it’s essential to do so gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the pasta from drying out. Here’s how:
– **Stovetop Method (Recommended):** This method yields the best results. Transfer the scampi to a skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, chicken broth, or even a tiny knob of butter (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to rehydrate the sauce and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally until the scampi is warmed through. This typically takes 5-7 minutes. The added liquid helps bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
– **Microwave Method:** For a quick reheat, place your scampi in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth (about 1 tablespoon per serving) and cover loosely. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be cautious not to overcook, as this can easily make the shrimp tough.
Always ensure leftovers are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. While the texture won’t be exactly like freshly made, these methods will help you enjoy your delicious scampi for another meal.
Recipe FAQs: Your Shrimp Scampi Questions Answered
Herbes de Provence is a traditional aromatic blend of dried herbs that hails from the Provence region of southeastern France, renowned for its rich culinary traditions. This distinctive spice blend typically features a medley of savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, often including lavender flowers, which impart a unique floral note. It’s a staple in Mediterranean cooking, prized for its ability to infuse dishes with a warm, earthy, and fragrant essence. While I love having specialty blends like this in my pantry for an elevated flavor profile, in a pinch, a good quality Italian seasoning blend—which usually contains oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—can serve as an acceptable substitute if Herbes de Provence is not readily available. However, for that authentic, complex aroma, the French blend is truly worth seeking out.
The choice to leave shrimp tails on or off is largely a matter of personal preference and presentation, as they are completely safe to cook with. Many chefs and home cooks, myself included, prefer to keep the tails on for their aesthetic appeal, as they add a lovely visual element to the dish. They also make for a convenient handle, especially when eating with your fingers in a more casual setting. However, if you find the tails cumbersome during eating or are serving children who might not know how to remove them, feel free to pull them off after the shrimp have cooked and before adding them back to the pasta. What’s most important is ensuring your shrimp are properly peeled and deveined before cooking, regardless of whether the tail remains.
Saving a portion of your pasta cooking water, often referred to as “liquid gold” by Italian cooks, is one of the most vital secrets to creating a truly luscious and restaurant-quality pasta sauce. As pasta cooks, it releases starches into the boiling water. This starchy water becomes a natural emulsifier. When added to your scampi sauce, it helps to bind the fats (like butter and olive oil) with the water-based ingredients (like white wine and lemon juice), preventing the sauce from separating. The starch also slightly thickens the sauce, giving it an incredibly silky, glossy texture that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. This, combined with melted butter at the very end, is the perfect technique to ensure an even and rich coating on your noodles, making for a truly satisfying dish.
Absolutely, using frozen shrimp is not only acceptable but often recommended for convenience and quality, as most shrimp sold as “fresh” at grocery stores have typically been previously frozen and thawed. The key is to ensure your frozen shrimp are completely thawed before you begin cooking. The best method for thawing is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for 10-15 minutes, gently separating them until fully thawed. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels after thawing to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam in the pan, which can lead to a rubbery texture.
For the best results with shrimp scampi, a large, wide skillet or sauté pan is ideal. A pan with a wide surface area allows you to cook the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding, promoting an even sear and preventing them from steaming. A cast-iron skillet or a good quality stainless steel pan works wonderfully for developing those flavorful browned bits (fond) at the bottom, which are essential for building a rich sauce. The larger size also provides ample space to toss the pasta with the sauce and shrimp without making a mess.
More Irresistible Seafood Recipes to Explore
Main Course
Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce
Main Course
Classic Old Bay Shrimp Boil
Main Course
Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta
Appetizers
Elegant Hamachi Crudo
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If you prepare this incredible Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta recipe, I would be absolutely thrilled to see your creations! Please take a moment to leave a star rating on the recipe card below and share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram and use the hashtag #britneybreaksbread so I can celebrate your beautiful dishes and culinary successes!
Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
Pin
Ingredients
- 16 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp, thawed if frozen, peeled & deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced or pressed
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes, optional, for a kick
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest, from 1 small lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh Parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving
Instructions
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**Prepare the Shrimp:** Pat your jumbo shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of the Herbes de Provence, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated and set them aside.
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**Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until it is perfectly al dente, typically 2-3 minutes, according to the package instructions. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta immediately and set aside.
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**Sauté the Shrimp:** In a large skillet or wide pan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear). Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and curl slightly. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
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**Build the Scampi Sauce:** Using the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
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**Deglaze and Reduce:** Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Herbes de Provence and the red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce by half. This process concentrates the flavors beautifully.
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**Finish the Sauce:** Stir in the fresh lemon juice and delicate lemon zest. Gradually add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring continuously until it emulsifies and reaches a silky, glossy consistency that will cling to the pasta. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
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**Combine and Serve:** Add the drained al dente pasta directly into the skillet with the finished sauce. Toss vigorously to ensure every strand is beautifully coated. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss to combine and warm through. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more of the remaining pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For the most tender shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps them sear beautifully rather than steam.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook very quickly, turning pink and opaque in just a few minutes. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery.
- The reserved pasta water is key to a perfectly emulsified, silky sauce. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for a mild hint of heat or a spicier kick.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.