If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly combines bright citrus, garlicky butter, and succulent shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, you have to try this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe. It’s a total crowd-pleaser with its vibrant flavors and comforting textures—all coming together on your plate in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend treat, this recipe feels special without being complicated, making it an absolute favorite to keep in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe lies in its simple and essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from the juicy shrimp that brings seafood sweetness, to the garlic and butter that create that irresistible sauce, and finally the pasta that carries every luscious bite.
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp give the dish a tender, protein-rich star.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a mild fruity flavor and helps gently cook the shrimp.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Creates a luxuriously rich, silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): The aromatic powerhouse that gives the dish its signature zing.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers just a hint of heat to balance the buttery sauce.
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds depth and bright acidity to the scampi sauce.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Infuses a fresh citrus pop to brighten every bite.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a lovely green freshness and color contrast.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): A nutty, savory finish that’s perfect if you love cheese.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for loosening the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not brown. This step unlocks the bold flavors that make the dish unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors, creating that classic scampi sauce.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Return the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the shrimp and pasta are well coated in the vibrant sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help everything cling beautifully together.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Seasoning
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. Your Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe is ready to wow!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish pop even more, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top or a few extra twists of freshly cracked black pepper. A lemon wedge on the side also adds a fun interactive burst of acidity for those who love a bit more zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your shrimp scampi with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make great colorful complements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the shrimp scampi on a large platter with fresh herbs scattered on top, or plate individual servings in deep bowls to capture all the sauce. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes at the end can personalize each plate beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen, but be aware the shrimp can become a bit firmer after chilling.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze shrimp scampi if necessary. Store the shrimp and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers or bags to preserve texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures, which can toughen the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What kind of wine works best in this recipe?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly to add acidity and brightness, but if you prefer no alcohol, chicken broth is a great substitute.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the linguine or spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
How do I add more spice without overpowering the dish?
Start with the red pepper flakes already in the recipe and adjust to your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce at the end for a subtle kick.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and shrimp separately and refrigerate them, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds with every bite. It’s simple, elegant, and endlessly delicious—a recipe that’ll become a go-to whenever you want to treat yourself or impress friends. Give it a try and revel in the joy of making a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Print
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a delightful Italian-American main course featuring tender large shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. It’s a quick and elegant seafood dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions, delivering a balance of rich flavors and fresh parsley brightness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and concentrates its flavors.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the shrimp scampi warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of olive oil and extra butter.
- Scallops or chicken can be substituted for shrimp if preferred.
- For gluten-free options, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.
