Spirals And Scampi
A delightful pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, fresh lemon, and herbs, combined with spiral pasta for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini or rotelli pasta ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. grated lemon peel (optional) ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped broccoli (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Saute shrimp, shallots, and garlic until almost done.
- Add remaining ingredients and continue cooking until shrimp are tender.
- Stir in the hot cooked macaroni and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked shrimp; just sauté briefly to heat through. If you prefer a lighter option, swap the butter with additional olive oil. Fresh herbs like basil can replace parsley for a different flavor. Consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutrition and texture. This dish is versatile; try it with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors. A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the shrimp. For a complete meal, consider serving with Crustless Salmon Quiche for an elegant twist. This dish also makes an excellent lunch option the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spirals And Scampi contains roughly 174 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1826mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used; just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking. You can quickly thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will save you time while still delivering a delicious meal.
What can I substitute for shallots?
If you don't have shallots, you can use finely chopped onions or green onions as a substitute. While the flavor will differ slightly, they will still provide a nice aromatic base for the dish. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This variation will still deliver a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for vegetarian diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).