If you love luxurious comfort food that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors, then this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, perfectly sautéed shrimp swimming in a luscious garlic butter and lemon sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti and crisp asparagus. It’s the ultimate combination of indulgence and freshness, coming together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You’ll fall in love with the ease and incredible taste that makes this dish so unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic to the plate. From the buttery richness to the bright zing of lemon, every component plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that holds the sauce beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.
- Asparagus: Adds a lovely crisp-tender bite and vibrant green color for freshness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides the silky, rich base that carries all the garlicky goodness.
- Olive oil: Balances the butter with a fruity depth and helps cook ingredients evenly.
- Garlic: The hero flavor, minced fresh to bring bold zest and aroma.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a subtle kick that wakes up the taste buds.
- Large shrimp: Tender and juicy, the star protein that pairs perfectly with pasta.
- Fine sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning layers to enhance every element.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the dish with citrusy sparkle and lifts the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh herbal note and pretty garnish.
- Freshly grated parmesan: Adds a savory, nutty finish to elevate each bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of water, seasoned with a tablespoon of salt and a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Drop in the spaghetti and cook it until it’s just al dente, meaning it still has that slight chew but is tender enough to soak up the sauce perfectly. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and cover to keep it warm while you move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Asparagus
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Toss in the asparagus, seasoning it lightly with salt and a little pepper. Cook uncovered for about five minutes until it becomes crisp-tender and still bright green. Then, remove it from the pan and set it aside so you can use the same pan for the shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp in Garlic Butter
Using the same pan, add two tablespoons each of olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let the garlic sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this is where the dish gets its signature aroma. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about a minute until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, making sure not to overcook them to keep them tender and juicy.
Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dish
Now it’s time for the finishing touches. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley, mixing them gently. Turn off the heat and carefully return the cooked pasta and asparagus to the pan. Toss everything together so the noodles are luxuriously coated with the garlic butter sauce and the shrimp and asparagus are evenly distributed. Serve it up immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for that irresistible final layer of flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of parmesan add both color and an extra burst of flavor to your plate. If you’re feeling fancy, thin lemon slices or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the presentation beautifully. These small touches make the dish even more inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides that won’t compete with its bright flavors. Consider a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that glorious garlic butter sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad also complement the seafood elements delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just shake things up, serve individual portions in shallow bowls topped with extra herbs and parmesan. For a fun twist, you could even stuff the shrimp and asparagus into warm pita pockets or wrap everything in delicate crepes for a handheld treat. The versatility of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe invites you to play and personalize it to your heart’s content!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you store it, make sure the pasta is at room temperature to avoid condensation that can make the dish soggy, and try to keep the shrimp and pasta combined with the sauce to maintain that luscious texture.
Freezing
Freezing this shrimp pasta isn’t ideal as seafood can become rubbery once thawed. However, if you want to freeze, place the shrimp and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers without sauce and thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, consider freezing just the components like cooked pasta or asparagus separately instead of the full dish.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can dry out the shrimp. Reheating on the stovetop preserves the dish’s texture and flavor much better, almost like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free alternative if you prefer. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold the sauce well.
What can I substitute for asparagus if I don’t have any?
If asparagus isn’t available, green beans or broccoli florets work beautifully. They add a similar crunch and fresh green color, complementing the garlic butter sauce just as well.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slightly firm texture but are no longer translucent. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye during that minute or so per side.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or extra olive oil, and skip the parmesan or use a plant-based cheese. The garlic and lemon flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat. Just add it gradually during the garlic sauté step to balance the spice with the buttery sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a joyous marriage of buttery richness, bright lemon, and tender shrimp that’s simple to prepare but impressive on the plate. Perfect for making any mealtime feel special, I hope you enjoy every delicious forkful as much as I do. Go ahead, treat yourself and share this gem with people you love!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, combined with crisp-tender asparagus and spaghetti tossed in a bright lemon-parsley sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, it balances rich butter and olive oil with fresh citrus and herbs for a vibrant seafood pasta experience.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb spaghetti
- Salt (for pasta water, about 1 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)
Vegetables
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 or 21–25 count)
Butter and Oils
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste)
- 1 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, divided (plus more for pasta water)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large or 2 small lemons)
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly grated parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente or your desired doneness. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and cover to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook Asparagus: Heat a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the trimmed and cut asparagus, season lightly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is crisp-tender. Remove the asparagus from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In the same hot skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté while stirring frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the pan and season them with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook to avoid toughness.
- Combine and Finish: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the shrimp mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta and the sautéed asparagus back into the pan. Toss everything together until evenly combined and heated through. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit them entirely if you prefer no spice.
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley to brighten the dish.
- Do not overcook shrimp to maintain a tender texture.
- This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine if preferred.
- If fresh asparagus is not available, you can substitute with green beans or broccoli florets.
