Shrimp scampi pasta recipe lovers — this one’s for you. Bursting with buttery garlic flavors, tender shrimp, and al dente pasta, this classic dish is a go-to for both casual weeknights and impressive date-night dinners. Whether you’re working with frozen shrimp or planning a fancy family meal, this easy, elegant pasta recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together beautifully
Elegant Yet Easy: Tastes like restaurant fare but beginner-friendly
Customizable: Make it creamy, spicy, or veggie-packed
Perfect for All Occasions: Weeknight dinner, holidays, or a romantic evening
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tbsp capers
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crushed red pepper (extra heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. - Season and Sear Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from pan. - Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and oil. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. - Make the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the sauce. - Return the Shrimp
Add shrimp back along with juices, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Mix well. - Adjust Consistency
Stir in reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky coating on the noodles. - Finish & Serve
Turn off heat, sprinkle Parmesan, and toss one last time. Serve hot with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: ~435
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 180mg
Tips & Variations
Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove once they’re pink and curled
Use fresh garlic: Skip jarred for maximum flavor
Reserve pasta water: Adds creaminess without extra fat
Optional twist ideas:
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and nutrition
- Swap shrimp with chicken or scallops
- Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs
- Want creamy? Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end
- Like heat? Add more red pepper flakes
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem — chicken broth with lemon juice is a perfect substitute.
Why is my sauce oily?
You likely overheated the butter. Next time, reduce the heat and whisk in pasta water to emulsify.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- – Large pot
- 12-inch skillet
- – Tongs
- – Zester
- – Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1½ lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup Parmesan
- Optional:
- 2 tbsp capers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup water, then drain.
- Season shrimp and sear in 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil. Remove once pink.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in remaining butter/oil.
- Add broth and lemon juice. Simmer briefly.
- Add pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce.
- Return shrimp, parsley, lemon zest. Mix well.
- Add reserved water for silky texture.
- Finish with Parmesan and serve hot.
Notes
Conclusion
This shrimp scampi pasta recipe proves that elegant doesn’t have to mean complicated. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, it delivers gourmet flavor in record time. Pair with garlic bread and a glass of white wine — or lemon water — and enjoy a little restaurant magic right at your table.