Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Light yet satisfying meal
Pairs beautifully with many pasta varieties
Restaurant-quality dish made at home
Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp
spaghetti or linguine
butter
olive oil
garlic
lemon juice
lemon zest
chicken broth or white wine
Parmesan cheese
red pepper flakes
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half of the butter over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper.
Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
Simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
Stir in the remaining butter and lemon zest.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
Add spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables.
Make it spicy with additional red pepper flakes.
Substitute scallops or chicken for shrimp.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Add cream for a richer sauce.
Top with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Shrimp Scampi Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the pasta moist. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating.
Freezing is not recommended because shrimp can become rubbery and the pasta texture may change.
FAQs
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi is a dish made with shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce often flavored with lemon and white wine.
What pasta works best for Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Spaghetti and linguine are the most popular choices, but angel hair or fettuccine also work well.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes, substitute chicken broth or seafood broth for the wine.
Is Shrimp Scampi spicy?
It is mildly spicy if red pepper flakes are included, but you can adjust the heat level.
What side dishes pair well with Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Garlic bread, salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus pair nicely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter alternatives.
How do I prevent overcooking shrimp?
Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, usually only a few minutes total.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and broccoli are excellent additions.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish filled with buttery garlic flavor, tender shrimp, and bright citrus notes. Perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners, this easy pasta recipe delivers restaurant-style taste with minimal effort. Serve it fresh with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a quick and elegant seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic lemon sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy restaurant-style recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
shrimp spaghetti or linguine butter olive oil garlic lemon juice lemon zest chicken broth or white wine Parmesan cheese red pepper flakes salt black pepper fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half of the butter over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper.
Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
Simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
Stir in the remaining butter and lemon zest.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy. Add spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables, or stir in a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
