If you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat, Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta is here to win your heart. This classic Italian-American favorite combines juicy, garlicky shrimp with perfectly al dente whole wheat spaghetti, all tossed in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce with a hint of heat. Every bite is bright, savory, and just a little bit indulgent thanks to a silky finish of butter and sprinkle of Parmesan. Even better, it all comes together in one pan in under half an hour, making it the ultimate go-to for a dinner that impresses without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised that just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta taste absolutely restaurant-worthy. Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in building bright, fresh flavor, satisfying texture, and those delicious bursts of color.
- Whole wheat spaghetti: Adds nutty flavor, hearty texture, and extra fiber for a wholesome twist on classic pasta.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The sweet, succulent centerpiece of the dish; they cook quickly so keep an eye on them!
- Olive oil: Lends fruity, robust undertones and helps sauté the garlic for an aromatic base.
- Unsalted butter: Provides luxurious richness and helps create that classic scampi sauce.
- Garlic (minced): The essential aromatic that brings the unmistakable flavor of shrimp scampi to life.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds gentle heat and depth; adjust to your preference for a kick of spice.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, dissolving flavor-packed golden bits and adding acidity.
- Lemon (zest and juice): Brightens everything up and ties all the flavors together with cheerful tang.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, to taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A savory, cheesy touch that melts just slightly and adds saltiness—so good!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your whole wheat spaghetti and stir occasionally, cooking until it’s just al dente. Drain, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of that precious pasta water—you’ll use it to help bind the sauce and pasta together later. Set the pasta aside as you get your sauce going.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
While your pasta is draining, heat the olive oil and two tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring constantly, for about a minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned—this is what infuses the oil and butter with all that wonderful flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add your shrimp to the pan in a single, even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for one to two minutes per side—just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, or they’ll go rubbery! Once perfectly cooked, scoop the shrimp out and set them aside on a plate for just a moment.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour the wine or chicken broth into your skillet to deglaze, scraping up any tasty browned bits with your spoon. Add lemon zest and juice, then let the sauce simmer away for two to three minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavor. Stir in the remaining butter so the sauce gets silky and lightly thickened.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Now for the final flourish! Return the shrimp to the skillet, add your cooked whole wheat pasta, and toss everything to coat. If your sauce seems a little tight, drizzle in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water—it works magic binding everything together into a glossy, luscious tangle. Finish with lots of fresh parsley, check the seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta
Garnishes
This dish shines with just a little flourish. Scatter extra chopped parsley over each plate for freshness and color, or add a big squeeze of lemon for even more zing. A light dusting of grated Parmesan is optional but brings that irresistible savory finish. If you love a little heat, a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes right before serving is delightful.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, especially ones with arugula or a lemony vinaigrette to echo the dish’s flavors. For a real trattoria vibe, serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach make bright, simple vegetable sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For date night, twirl the pasta dramatically onto each plate using tongs, then neatly arrange shrimp on top for a restaurant-worthy look. If you’re hosting, stack the pasta in a shallow bowl and scatter the shrimp throughout so everyone gets a little in every bite. For a fun spin, try serving individual portions as an appetizer in small ramekins at your next dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra, simply transfer the cooled Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors actually get more delicious as they meld, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
While whole wheat pasta and seafood are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover scampi in a pinch. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Be aware the pasta and shrimp texture may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be spot on.
Reheating
To reheat, add leftovers to a skillet with a splash of water or broth and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can overcook and turn chewy. For the creamiest sauce, toss in a little extra butter or olive oil as it reheats!
FAQs
Can I substitute a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While whole wheat spaghetti provides extra fiber and a satisfying bite, Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta works well with regular spaghetti, linguine, gluten-free pasta, or even zoodles if you’re going low-carb.
What’s the best shrimp to use for this recipe?
Large, raw shrimp (either fresh or frozen and thawed) work best for scampi. They hold their shape and stay juicy. Just be sure they’re peeled and deveined for effortless eating.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes! Instead of white wine, use chicken broth or vegetable broth for the sauce—you’ll still get plenty of tang and depth of flavor without the alcohol.
How spicy is this pasta dish?
The heat level in Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta is totally customizable. The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, which gives just a gentle background warmth, but you can scale up or down to suit your taste.
Is it safe to prepare ahead for meal prep?
Yes, you can make it ahead, but for the freshest flavor and texture, keep the pasta and shrimp separate until ready to serve. If making for meal prep, undercook the shrimp just slightly and combine all components right before eating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that comes together faster than takeout, give Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta a try. It’s bright, buttery, a little zippy, and surprisingly simple. I hope this dish earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation—it’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes weeknights feel special!
Print
Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Shrimp Scampi with Whole Wheat Pasta. A delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp, garlic, lemon, and parsley, all tossed with whole wheat spaghetti for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Spaghetti:
12 ounces,
Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined):
1 pound,
Olive Oil:
3 tablespoons,
Unsalted Butter:
4 tablespoons,
Garlic (minced):
5 cloves,
Red Pepper Flakes:
1/4 teaspoon,
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth:
1/2 cup,
Lemon (zest and juice):
1,
Fresh Parsley (chopped):
1/4 cup,
Salt and Pepper:
to taste,
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Prepare according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, then cook shrimp until pink. Set shrimp aside.
- Create the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, lemon zest, and juice. Add remaining butter and return shrimp to the skillet.
- Combine and Serve: Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season and garnish with parsley. Serve with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, briefly marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Whole wheat pasta can be substituted with gluten-free or regular pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
