Shrimp scampi pasta is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many people around the world. It is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a luxurious meal with friends and family. This delicious meal is made by sauteing fresh shrimp in butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice, and being served over a bed of pasta.
While shrimp scampi pasta is a fantastic meal on its own, it is always nice to add some additional dishes to complete the dining experience. In this article, we will be discussing some amazing side dishes that you can pair with shrimp scampi pasta to enhance its flavor and elevate your dining experience.
Classic Complements: Pairing Wines with Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Pairing wine with shrimp scampi pasta is not an easy task. The dish contains a medley of flavors, from tangy lemon to buttery garlic, which can overpower a delicate wine. However, there are several classic wine pairings that can accompany the dish with excellence.
One of the classic wine pairings with shrimp scampi pasta is Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a crisp, acidic wine with citrusy notes that complement the acidic lemony flavor of the dish. Another great choice is Chardonnay, which has a rich, buttery texture that complements the creamy sauce. Pinot Grigio also pairs well with the dish, as it is light and crisp, and it helps to cut through the richness of the dish. In general, the white wines with high acidity make for a great complement to shrimp scampi pasta.
Side Dish Selections: Vegetables and Salads to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta
When it comes to pairing side dishes with shrimp scampi pasta, vegetarians can rejoice as there are a plethora of vegetable options to choose from. Roasted asparagus, broccoli, and green beans are excellent options to complement this classic dish. These vegetables not only add a burst of earthy flavors but also a delightful crunch in texture. Furthermore, it is perfect for those who are looking for a healthier option. Seasoned with a dash of salt and pepper, roasted vegetables can be your go-to side dish with shrimp scampi pasta.
Another delicious side dish that goes perfectly with shrimp scampi pasta is a fresh salad. Instead of having a side of carb-heavy garlic bread, adding a refreshing salad to your meal can result in the perfect balance. Whether it’s a simple Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber, it can lift and enhance the flavors of the dish. The lightness and crunchiness of the fresh salad can provide the ideal contrast with the rich, buttery flavors of shrimp scampi pasta. Overall, adding vegetable sides and salads to your shrimp scampi pasta meal can elevate your dining experience.
Upgrade Your Pasta: Experimenting with Different Types of Noodles
While the classic shrimp scampi pasta is usually made with linguine or spaghetti noodles, there are plenty of other types of pasta that can make a great pairing with this dish. For a lighter option, try swapping out traditional wheat-based noodles for zucchini or squash zoodles. These veggies are low-carb, gluten-free, and give the dish a healthy green boost.
If you’re looking for a heartier type of pasta, consider using thicker noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle. These noodles can stand up to the bold flavors of the garlic, butter, and lemon in the shrimp scampi sauce and make for a satisfying bite. For an even more unique twist, try using a less common pasta like bucatini, which is a hollow spaghetti-shaped noodle, or orecchiette, which are small ear-shaped pasta pieces. The possibilities are endlessly delicious!
Add Some Spice: Incorporating a Touch of Heat to Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Shrimp scampi pasta is already a flavorful dish, but for those who want to add a bit of spice to their meal, there are many options available. One of the easiest ways to incorporate heat into your shrimp scampi pasta is by adding some red pepper flakes. Just a small amount can go a long way in adding a spicy kick to the dish. Alternatively, you can chop up some fresh jalapeños or serranos and sauté them with the shrimp and garlic to infuse the pasta with a bold, spicy flavor.
Other spices that can be added to shrimp scampi pasta include cayenne pepper, black pepper, and paprika. Cayenne pepper provides a fiery heat that complements the buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi sauce. Black pepper, on the other hand, adds a subtle heat that is not overpowering. Paprika can also be used to give the dish a delicate smoky flavor along with a mild hint of heat. Experiment with different levels of spice to find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds.
Incorporating Protein: Ideas for Adding More Protein to this Dish
Shrimp scampi pasta is already a high-protein dish, with shrimp being its primary source of protein. However, if you want to incorporate more protein into this dish, you can try adding some grilled chicken or tofu to it. Both tofu and grilled chicken make great additions to shrimp scampi pasta as they do not overpower the taste of the shrimp and complement the pasta texture well.
Another protein-rich ingredient that you can add to the shrimp scampi pasta is beans. Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas are great options as they also provide fiber. You can also top the dish with some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra protein boost. Adding protein to your shrimp scampi pasta not only amps up its nutritional value but also helps you stay full and satisfied for longer.
Making it a Meal: Preparing a Complete Dinner with Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Making shrimp scampi pasta is a great way to prepare a delicious main dish, but it doesn’t have to be the only part of your meal. To make it a complete dinner, you can add some side dishes that complement the flavors of the pasta and provide a balanced meal.
One option is to serve a green salad with the shrimp scampi pasta. A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the pasta dish and provide some extra fiber and nutrients. Another idea is to serve garlic bread, which is a classic accompaniment to any Italian pasta dish. You can make your own garlic bread at home by toasting sliced Italian bread and rubbing it with garlic butter. Additionally, you can add some vegetables to the pasta recipe such as asparagus or broccoli to add more nutrition.
Creative Twist: Putting a Personal Spin on Shrimp Scampi Pasta
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try putting your own personal spin on shrimp scampi pasta? Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:
1. Add some heat – if you like spice, try adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to your shrimp scampi pasta.
2. Experiment with different types of pasta – try using linguine, fettuccine, or even spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
3. Swap out the shrimp – if you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using scallops, mussels, or chunks of lobster instead.
4. Add some veggies – sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or colorful bell peppers would make a great addition to shrimp scampi pasta.
5. Top it off – sprinkle some parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, or toasted breadcrumbs on top for added flavor and crunch.
With these simple tweaks, you can easily put your own personal spin on shrimp scampi pasta and impress your dinner guests with a delicious, unique dish.
Conclusion
Shrimp scampi pasta is an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you prefer a simple garlic butter sauce or a spicy tomato-based sauce, there are plenty of options to choose from. Additionally, there are numerous side dishes and wine pairings that can enhance the flavors of this delicious pasta dish.
When deciding what to serve with shrimp scampi pasta, it is important to consider the overall flavor profile of the dish. A light salad or vegetable dish can add a fresh contrast to the rich and buttery shrimp scampi pasta. Additionally, a crisp white wine or sparkling wine can help cleanse the palate and highlight the flavors of the dish. With a little creativity and experimentation, there are countless options for pairing and enhancing shrimp scampi pasta.