Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s fancy enough for date night yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes just as good as anything from a restaurant. Whether you’re new to cooking or a pro in the kitchen, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
If you enjoy shrimp, you’ll also love this Honey Garlic Salmon—another simple and flavorful seafood recipe. Now, let’s get started!
What is Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is an Italian-American dish featuring shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine, tossed with pasta. The classic flavors of lemon and parsley give it a fresh, vibrant touch.
While “scampi” originally referred to small lobster-like crustaceans, American chefs adapted the dish using shrimp. It remains one of the most popular shrimp pasta recipes easy enough for home cooks.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta
1. Shrimp
- Use large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for the best texture.
- Fresh or frozen shrimp both work—just thaw frozen shrimp properly.
- Keep the tails on for extra flavor or remove them for easier eating.
2. Pasta
- Linguine is the most traditional choice, but spaghetti or fettuccine work well.
- Bronze-cut pasta holds sauce better than standard pasta.
- Want something baked? Try this Shrimp Pasta Bake for a cozy twist!
3. Garlic & Butter
- Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor—avoid pre-chopped garlic.
- Butter makes the sauce rich and silky, balancing the acidity of the lemon.
4. White Wine or Broth
- Dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- If avoiding alcohol, use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice instead.
5. Lemon Juice & Zest
- Lemon juice brightens the dish, while zest adds a deeper citrus aroma.
- Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
6. Red Pepper Flakes & Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes add a mild heat, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Parmesan cheese gives the dish a slightly salty, nutty taste.
7. Fresh Parsley
- Chopped parsley provides a bright, herbal contrast to the rich sauce.
- Sprinkle extra on top for color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta
1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2: Sauté the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3: Make the Scampi Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine (or broth) and let it reduce for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice, zest, and some reserved pasta water.
4: Toss Everything Together
- Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat it evenly.
- Return shrimp to the pan and mix everything well.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
5: Serve & Enjoy
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra lemon zest and Parmesan.
- Serve with Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a well-rounded meal.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Spicy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Increase red pepper flakes for a bolder, spicier kick.
2. Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream before serving for a richer sauce.
3. Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake
- Mix pasta and sauce in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake.
4. Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Best Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce
- Crusty garlic bread or focaccia
- Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach
- A simple Caesar salad with homemade dressing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw shrimp in cold water before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best pasta for Shrimp Scampi?
Linguine is ideal, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair also work well.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi Pasta ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated with a splash of pasta water.
What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth with extra lemon juice is a great substitute for wine.
Can I make this into a baked pasta casserole?
Yes! Try a Shrimp Casserole Recipe for a cheesy, baked version.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or any long pasta
- 1 lb shrimp 16-20 count, peeled & deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup pasta water reserved from cooking pasta
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add pasta water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss in drained pasta, stirring well. Add shrimp back to the pan along with remaining butter and parsley. Mix until coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan, and garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use tail-on shrimp for a richer sauce.
- No wine? Substitute with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
- Want it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes.
- Make it creamy by stirring in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Pair it with: Roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic bread, or a crisp white wine.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a perfect balance of rich, buttery flavors and bright, fresh lemon. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always impressive. Whether you’re making dinner for two or feeding a crowd, this recipe never disappoints.
If you love seafood, don’t miss this Baked Salmon in the Oven Recipe—another easy and delicious option. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking!
Happy cooking!
