Description
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.
