Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a weeknight wonder that tastes like a restaurant dish but comes together in your own kitchen in less than half an hour. This buttery, garlicky pasta recipe is loaded with tender shrimp, zesty lemon, and a silky olive oil sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or craving something comforting yet elegant, shrimp scampi pasta delivers every time. With simple ingredients and just one skillet, you’ll be amazed how effortlessly gourmet this dish feels.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Fast and flavorful – Ready in 25 minutes
✅ Minimal cleanup – One pot for pasta, one skillet for sauce
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, spice, or cream
✅ Restaurant-quality – But no reservations needed
✅ Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters love it!
This is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a pro chef—with barely any effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1½ lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp capers
- Baby spinach or arugula
- Crushed red pepper for extra heat
- White beans for added protein
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. - Season and prep the shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Sauté the shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Make the sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and olive oil. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Deglaze and simmer
Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. - Finish with shrimp and flavor
Return shrimp to the pan with any juices. Add parsley, lemon zest, and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. - Serve immediately
Remove from heat. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Toss well. Serve hot with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions
Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~435
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 20g (mostly unsaturated from olive oil)
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: ~700mg
Omega-3s: High (from shrimp)
Note: Actual values vary based on brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Variations
Chef’s Tips:
- Pat shrimp very dry for proper searing
- Use freshly minced garlic, not jarred
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they go from juicy to rubbery fast
- Save pasta water! It’s liquid gold for sauce consistency
Fun Variations:
- 🌶️ Spicy Scampi: Add more red pepper flakes
- 🧄 Creamy Scampi: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream before adding pasta
- 🍅 Veggie Boost: Add sautéed cherry tomatoes or spinach
- 🐔 Chicken Scampi: Sub shrimp with sliced chicken breast
- 🌾 Gluten-Free: Use rice pasta or gluten-free spaghetti
- 🧈 Dairy-Free: Use all olive oil and skip Parmesan
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best?
Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair are ideal. Avoid short pasta like penne—it doesn’t twirl well with sauce.
My sauce is oily—why?
It may have separated. Add reserved pasta water and whisk to emulsify.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Equipment
- – Large pot
- 12-inch skillet
- Tongs or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Zester or grater
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1½ lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain.
- Pat shrimp dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil. Sauté shrimp until pink. Remove.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes to skillet. Cook 30 seconds.
- Add broth and lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 mins.
- Add pasta. Toss to coat. Return shrimp to pan.
- Stir in parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Add pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent but is incredibly quick and easy. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a must-have in your weeknight dinner rotation—or when you want to impress without stress.