🍤🍝 Baby Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta 🍤🍝 is a delectable Italian-inspired dish that combines succulent baby shrimp, garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon with delicate angel hair pasta. This dish is known for its flavorful and aromatic sauce, which pairs perfectly with the tender, tiny shrimp and thin pasta. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe, its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to prepare it.
History:
The term “scampi” originally referred to a type of small lobster found in the Adriatic Sea. However, in the United States, “shrimp scampi” typically features shrimp, not lobster, cooked in a flavorful garlic and butter sauce. This Italian-American classic is beloved for its rich flavors and has become a popular dish in many Italian restaurants.
Components:
- Baby Shrimp: The star of the dish, baby shrimp are small, sweet, and delicate in flavor. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to devein and remove the shells for convenience.
- Angel Hair Pasta: This very thin pasta is similar to spaghetti but finer. It’s perfect for absorbing the scampi sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the foundation for the dish’s rich flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- White Wine: A dry white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, adds depth to the sauce.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a zesty, citrusy kick.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is used for garnish and to enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor.
Preparation Steps:
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Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them according to the package instructions. Devein and remove the shells, leaving the tails intact if desired.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the baby shrimp to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
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Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly, which should take a few minutes.
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Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet and add lemon zest for that wonderful citrusy flavor.
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Toss with Pasta: Gently combine the cooked angel hair pasta with the shrimp and sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the scampi sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional lemon zest. Serve hot, and don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Baby Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta will depend on your cooking experience, but it typically takes around 30-40 minutes. This dish is relatively quick and makes for an impressive and flavorful meal. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Italian-American classic! 🍽️😊🇮🇹
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Baby Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 400-500 calories per serving (varies based on portion size and ingredients)
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 2-4 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 120-150 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 10-15% of the DV
Health Information:
- Protein: Shrimp is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Carbohydrates: The angel hair pasta provides energy through carbohydrates, but it’s a good idea to choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Fiber: The dish may contain some dietary fiber, particularly if you use whole wheat pasta, which is beneficial for digestive health.
- Fats: While the dish contains some fat, much of it comes from the butter. To make the dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter used.
- Saturated Fat: Butter in the recipe contributes to saturated fat content. If you’re concerned about saturated fat intake, consider using a healthier fat source, like olive oil.
- Cholesterol: Shrimp contains cholesterol, but it’s relatively low compared to other sources of protein. It’s essential to manage your cholesterol intake if you have specific dietary restrictions.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the salt added to the recipe. Reducing salt can help if you need to manage your sodium intake.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The dish provides some vitamin C from the lemon juice, which is essential for immune function, and iron from the shrimp, important for oxygen transport in the body.
It’s important to note that the actual nutrition values may vary depending on portion size and the specific ingredients and brands used in your recipe. To make this dish even healthier, you can consider using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of butter, and increasing the vegetable-to-pasta ratio. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
