🍤 Shrimp Scampi Pasta
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a classic Italian-American favorite featuring juicy shrimp tossed with pasta in a bright, buttery garlic sauce with lemon, herbs, and a hint of spice. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but quick enough for a weeknight meal.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Pasta & Shrimp
- 12 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- Extra lemon slices for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter to the skillet.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add white wine (or broth) and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Combine Everything
- Add lemon juice and zest.
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta and toss together.
- Add pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the noodles.
5. Finish
- Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan.
- Serve with extra lemon slices.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- 🥖 Garlic bread
- 🥗 Caesar salad
- 🥦 Roasted asparagus
- 🍅 Caprese salad
- 🍷 A chilled white wine
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
- Fresh garlic makes a huge difference in the sauce.
- Use pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or pasta water.
- Freezing: Not recommended for best texture because shrimp can become tough.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Delicious Variations
🧀 Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ½ cup heavy cream and extra Parmesan.
🌶️ Spicy Cajun Scampi: Add Cajun seasoning and extra chili flakes.
🥬 Spinach Shrimp Scampi: Stir in fresh spinach before serving.
🍅 Mediterranean Style: Add tomatoes, feta, and fresh basil.
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta delivers garlic, butter, lemon, and tender shrimp in every bite—a fast, flavorful seafood dinner that feels restaurant-worthy at home. 🍤🍋