Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the ultimate combination of elegance and ease. With juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, shrimp scampi pasta delivers rich, garlicky satisfaction every time.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Bursting with garlic, lemon, and buttery flavor
- Uses pantry staples and frozen shrimp
- Easily adaptable (gluten-free, dairy-free, or creamy)
- Tastes like fine dining with minimal effort
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine if preferred)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Handful of halved cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms
🔪 Instructions
- Boil pasta: Cook linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove to a plate.
- Make sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and oil, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze: Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Return shrimp: Add shrimp back into the pan with juices, parsley, and lemon zest.
- Adjust sauce: Add reserved pasta water gradually until sauce is silky.
- Finish: Off heat, stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 435
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.
💡 Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- Use fresh garlic — jarred versions lack punch
- Don’t overcook shrimp — 2 minutes per side max
- Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to avoid steaming
- Reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for the sauce
Variations
- Creamy: Add ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce
- Spicy: Use extra red pepper flakes or chili oil
- Gluten-Free: Swap in GF pasta
- Dairy-Free: Use only olive oil and skip cheese
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, asparagus, or zucchini
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I substitute wine?
Absolutely — chicken broth with extra lemon works beautifully.
Why is my sauce oily?
The butter may have separated. Lower the heat and whisk in some pasta water.
How many shrimp per person?
About 6–8 large shrimp per serving.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup water, drain.
- Season and pat shrimp dry.
- Sear shrimp in 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil. Cook 1–2 min per side. Remove.
- In same pan, sauté garlic, red pepper in remaining butter/oil.
- Add broth + lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 mins.
- Toss pasta into skillet with sauce.
- Add shrimp, parsley, lemon zest.
- Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
– Don’t overcook shrimp
– Customize with spinach or tomatoes
🍽️ Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is more than just a meal — it’s your go-to for fast, impressive cooking. With the balance of garlic, butter, lemon, and tender shrimp, it’s perfect for busy nights or special dinners. Keep the ingredients stocked and you’ll always have something delicious on hand.