Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is the kind of dish that makes any night feel like an occasion, thanks to plump, garlicky shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked noodles in a fragrant, lemony butter sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this classic recipe is downright irresistible and brilliantly simple, with fresh flavors that leap off the plate. Imagine twirling your fork through ribbons of pasta coated in a glossy, savory sauce and tasting that burst of briny, citrusy shrimp—pure happiness in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Shrimp Scampi with Pasta lies in the harmony of a few essential ingredients working together. Each one is chosen for its flavor, texture, or vibrant color, making the dish shine with little fuss—just simple, real food at its finest.
- Linguine or Spaghetti (12 oz): The base for your scampi—it’s perfect for soaking up all the luscious sauce.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds a fruity richness and helps the butter create a satiny sauce.
- Unsalted Butter, divided (3 tbsp): For a velvety finish and rich mouthfeel, with extra for tossing at the end.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The aromatic backbone—don’t skimp on the garlic!
- Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 lb): Choose shrimp that are firm and fresh; they cook fast and stay juicy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Brings out the flavors in every bite.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): For a subtle warmth and background flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): A touch of heat livens everything up—add as much or as little as you like.
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): White wine adds brightness, but broth is a great non-alcoholic option too.
- Lemon Juice, fresh (2 tbsp): The touch that makes everything sparkle—use fresh lemon for the best zing.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): A hit of green brings freshness and color right at the end.
- Lemon Wedges for serving: Pass at the table for an extra spritz of citrus as you eat.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking your linguine or spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s just al dente—tender but firm and never mushy. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of the starchy cooking water before you drain the pasta; this little trick helps the silky sauce cling to every strand later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Warm the olive oil and two tablespoons of butter together in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—this is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing! Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Sprinkle your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and, if you like a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and let them cook for one to two minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, scoop them out onto a plate so they don’t overcook. Juicy shrimp are happy shrimp!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if you’re keeping it alcohol-free), plus the fresh lemon juice. As the liquid simmers, use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any golden, garlicky bits from the pan—those are pure flavor. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced and all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Toss it All Together
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Drop in the last tablespoon of butter and scatter over the chopped parsley. Now, toss everything gently to coat the noodles in that gleaming sauce—add a little reserved pasta water at a time for extra silkiness if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh lemon wedges, and brace yourself for a chorus of “wow, this is so good!”
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of bright lemon are all you need to bring Shrimp Scampi with Pasta to life at the table. For extra indulgence, I love finishing with a dusting of grated Parmesan, which melts right into the hot noodles for a bit of salty depth.
Side Dishes
Italian-American classics like garlic bread or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette are perfect companions here—they balance the rich, buttery nature of the dish. Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli also work beautifully, adding a fresh, colorful touch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your dinner guests, try serving Shrimp Scampi with Pasta in shallow bowls, nestled into a swirl for that “fancy restaurant” feel. Or, go rustic and pile it high on a big family platter for everyone to help themselves—just don’t forget extra lemon wedges and fresh cracked pepper for everyone at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Shrimp Scampi with Pasta tasting its best, transfer leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce, but it’s still delicious the next day!
Freezing
While seafood and cream sauces don’t usually freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish if you need to. Let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within one month; the shrimp may lose a bit of their plumpness but will still taste great.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Shrimp Scampi with Pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or a pat of butter and toss until warmed through—this keeps the shrimp tender and the pasta saucy without drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi with Pasta?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet. Fresh or frozen both work well for this dish, so use whichever is most convenient.
What pasta shapes work best if I don’t have linguine?
Spaghetti is a close substitute, but angel hair or fettuccine are also wonderful choices for Shrimp Scampi with Pasta. Short shapes, like penne or rotini, don’t hold the sauce quite as well but can still work in a pinch.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine?
Yes! Swap out the wine for an equal amount of chicken broth for a family-friendly, alcohol-free version. You’ll still get plenty of depth and flavor in your sauce.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—the sauce and shrimp are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap that still lets you enjoy all the flavors of Shrimp Scampi with Pasta.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
Just let the sauce simmer for another minute or two to reduce further, or toss in a little more reserved pasta water and butter. They’ll help create the perfect glossy, clingy texture for your shrimp scampi sauce.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is pure weeknight magic—quick enough to whip up when time is tight, dazzling enough to make you feel transported to your favorite Italian trattoria. Pour yourself a glass of something crisp, share it with the ones you love, and get ready to fall head over heels for this simple, satisfying classic!
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Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this classic Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a splash of white wine, all tossed with al dente pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp Scampi:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Cook garlic, add seasoned shrimp, cook until pink, then set aside.
- Make Sauce: Deglaze the pan with wine or broth, add lemon juice, simmer, then return shrimp to the skillet along with pasta, butter, and parsley. Toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve shrimp scampi over pasta with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Enhance with grated Parmesan for extra richness.
- Substitute pasta shapes like angel hair or fettuccine.
- Use chicken broth as a wine alternative for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
