Shrimp Scampi Cappellini

This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it's easy to prepare. The bright flavours of lemon, herbs and chili enhance the shrimp. Tomatoes and capers make for a lovely sauce.

8-12 shrimp, peeled and de-veined
angel hair or capellini pasta (115 g)
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 large shallot, finely diced
2 tsp. chili flakes
2 lemons
white wine (100 mL)
2 Tbsp. capers
cherry tomatoes, halved (60 g)
seafood stock (100 mL)
butter, cubed (55 g)
1 sprig basil, picked
kosher or sea salt
black pepper, fresh cracked

Garnish:
Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Add water to a 4 qt sauce pot. Salt liberally, cover with a lid and bring to a boil.

Heat a medium nonstick saute pan on medium heat with one tablespoon of olive oil.

When hot, add the diced shallots and finely grate the garlic bulbs into the pan and sauté for 2 minutes to soften them.
Deglaze the pan with the white wine and cook until it is almost evaporated from the pan.

Add the seafood stock, chili flakes, capers, cherry tomatoes and lemons (zested and juiced).

When the sauce comes to a simmer, season the raw shrimp with salt and pepper and poach in the liquid for about 1 minute per side.

Add the cubed butter to melt.

Taste and season the sauce accordingly.

Meanwhile, when the pot of water begins to boil, add the pasta and use tongs or a fork to gradually push it into the seasoned water as it starts to soften. Boil the pasta, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick together, for about 3-5 minutes, or until al dente.

Strain the pasta and quickly add it to the pan with the scampi sauce and cooked shrimp. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.

Finally, tear the fresh basil leaves and toss into the pasta before plating.

Plate the cooked pasta into a medium size bowl with some height.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Makes 1 servings.