SHRIMP SCAMPI PASTA

Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a super delicious and flavorful recipe prepared using angel hair pasta, garlic cloves, olive oil, cream, wine, and shrimp.

I love shrimp (prawns) and always look for new ways to prepare them. I first had this pasta at Cheesecake Factory (my first try on shrimp here in United states) during my vacation in Florida. I generally prefer eating spicy food so I was a little scared to order dishes at this restaurant, but the ingredients mentioned in the menu for this dish eventually made me give it a try. My husband and I loved it so much that we went to Cheesecake Factory on all the 3 days and we kept talking about it even after we returned back. Personally it was an eye opener as I realized that food need not be spicy to be tasty.

Unfortunately, I cannot go to Cheesecake Factory often as it is far from my place. After browsing online and getting ideas on how this dish is prepared, I tried to replicate it at home. The outcome was a super hit and felt its worth sharing.

The mild-flavored shrimp combined with the sauteed garlic cloves, the creamy sauce and the angel hair pasta makes this dish heavenly.

Preparation time : 45 minutes
Serves : 4

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

For the shrimp:
Medium Shrimp - 24
All purpose flour - 2 tbsp
Cayenne pepper - ½ tsp
Dry Parsley leaves - ½ tsp
Dry Basil leaves - ½ tsp
Garlic salt - ¾ tsp
Milk - 2 tbsp
Olive oil - 3 tbsp

For the sauce:
Whole Garlic cloves- 10
Small onion - 1
Finely chopped Tomato - 1
Finely chopped Coriander leaves - 8 strands
Dry white wine - 1 cup
Heavy cream - 1 pint
Salt - to taste
Black pepper powder - to taste
Basil leaves - ½ tsp
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tbsp
Angel hair pasta - 200 g

Steps to prepare Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Step I

• In a bowl add cleaned and deveined shrimp. Make sure you thaw the shrimp if you are using the frozen variety according to package instructions.
• To the shrimp, add all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, dry parsley & basil leaves, garlic salt, milk and mix well until the shrimp is well coated in the flour batter. Keep aside for 5 minutes.

Step II

• In a non-stick pan on medium-high heat add about 3 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Once the oil is hot add the shrimp coated in batter into the oil and shallow fry for about 2 minutes on one side, or until it develops a golden color.
• Flip the shrimp to the other side and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer the shrimp to a clean plate/bowl and keep aside till you are ready to serve.

Step III

• In the same non-stick pan, add another 2 tablespoon of olive oil to the oil remaining after frying shrimp, and reduce the heat to medium. Add whole garlic cloves and saute until they develop a light golden color.
• Next, add finely chopped onion along with a pinch of salt and saute for about 2 minutes or until onions turn translucent.
• To the same pan, add a cup of white wine and simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Then add 1 cup of heavy cream, finely chopped coriander leaves, dry basil leaves, finely chopped tomatoes and simmer for another 10 mins.

Step IV

• Meanwhile in a separate pot, bring the water to a quick rolling boil, season generously with salt, and cook the pasta according to instructions until al dente. Angel hair pasta should cook in about 4 - 5 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and lightly drizzle some olive oil to prevent them from sticking to one another as you wait for the sauce to get ready.

Step V

• When the sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes, add grated Parmesan cheese,some crushed black pepper and salt for seasoning. The sauce is ready, it should thicken as it cools down.
• In a serving plate first add a ladle of sauce at the center, then place the cooked pasta over this sauce. Place the cooked shallow-fried shrimp around the pasta.
• Top the pasta with some more sauce, freshly chopped coriander leaves and dusting of grated Parmesan.
• Shrimp Scampi Pasta is now ready. Serve and enjoy.