Description
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a quick and elegant Italian-American favorite featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce and tossed with pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this weeknight-friendly dish is bright, savory, and satisfying—perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- Linguine or spaghetti
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Dry white wine or chicken broth
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze pan with white wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Add pasta water as needed for sauciness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute scallops or chicken for the shrimp.
- Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Stir in a splash of cream for a creamy scampi version.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly option.
- Don’t overcook shrimp—remove once pink and curled.
