Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Intro

There are some dishes that feel fancy but secretly couldn’t be easier. Shrimp scampi pasta is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s the meal I make when I want something comforting, a little luxurious, but still totally doable on a busy weeknight. No stress. No complicated steps. Just good ingredients doing what they do best.

I remember the first time I made the Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe at home. I was convinced it was “restaurant food” and probably too advanced. Turns out, it’s mostly garlic, butter, olive oil, shrimp, and pasta. That’s it. Once I realized that, this dish became a regular in my kitchen.

As a female chef who loves cooking from the heart, this recipe is very me. I don’t overthink it. I let the flavors shine. I taste as I go. And I always, always make a little extra sauce because someone at the table is going to want more.

This shrimp scampi pasta is bright, buttery, garlicky, and just indulgent enough to feel special. It’s the kind of meal you make for yourself with a glass of wine, or for guests when you want them to think you worked harder than you actually did.

Let’s get into it.

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What Is Shrimp Scampi Pasta?

Shrimp scampi pasta is a classic Italian-American dish made with shrimp cooked in a sauce of butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and sometimes white wine. That sauce gets tossed with pasta, usually spaghetti or linguine, creating something rich but still fresh.

Traditionally, “scampi” refers to the way the shrimp are cooked rather than the pasta itself. It’s all about quick cooking, bold garlic flavor, and a silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

What I love most is how balanced it is. The butter gives richness, the lemon cuts through it, and the shrimp bring sweetness from the sea. Nothing is heavy. Nothing is boring.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here, just solid basics:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
  
• Large skillet or sauté pan
  
• Tongs or pasta spoon
  
• Sharp knife
  
• Cutting board
  
• Measuring spoons
  
• Microplane or grater (for lemon zest, optional)
  

If you can boil pasta and sauté shrimp, you’re already halfway there.

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Ingredients

This recipe serves about 4 people comfortably.

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional but lovely)
  
• Juice of 1 large lemon
  
• Salt, to taste
  
• Black pepper, to taste
  
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  

Simple ingredients. Big flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This is liquid gold for the sauce.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. This helps them cook evenly and taste like themselves.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.

Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it.

Pour in the white wine (or broth) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir gently.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.

If it looks dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.

Add the shrimp back in and toss everything together.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and perfect.

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What This Dish Tastes Like

This shrimp scampi pasta is rich but not heavy. The garlic is bold but not overpowering. The lemon keeps everything bright and fresh.

The shrimp are juicy and tender. The sauce clings to the pasta without drowning it. Every bite feels balanced.

It’s comforting in a grown-up way.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta

• Use large shrimp. They stay juicier and feel more luxurious.
  
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. As soon as they turn pink, they’re done.
  
• Always save pasta water. It fixes everything.
  
• Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference. Bottled just isn’t the same.
  
• Taste constantly. This dish rewards attention.
  

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Pasta Choices That Work Best

I usually reach for spaghetti or linguine, but you’ve got options.

• Linguine: My personal favorite
  
• Spaghetti: Classic and reliable
  
• Angel hair: Works, but watch cooking time
  
• Fettuccine: Richer, more filling
  

Use what you love.

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Variations You Can Try

This recipe is flexible, which I adore.

• Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness
  
• Toss in spinach at the end for color
  
• Use chili oil instead of flakes for heat
  
• Add a splash of cream for a richer version
  
• Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken
  

Make it yours.

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What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This dish shines on its own, but sides can elevate it.

• Garlic bread
  
• Simple green salad
  
• Roasted asparagus
  
• A crisp white wine
  

Keep it light and let the pasta be the star.

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Storage and Reheating

Shrimp scampi pasta is best fresh, but leftovers happen.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Avoid the microwave if you can. Shrimp don’t love it.

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Why I Love This Recipe So Much

This is one of those meals that reminds me why I cook. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor without being complicated.

As a woman who cooks with instinct and heart, I appreciate recipes like this. They don’t demand perfection. They just ask you to show up and enjoy the process.

Shrimp scampi pasta feels like confidence on a plate.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that feels special but doesn’t take over your evening, this shrimp scampi pasta recipe is the answer. It’s elegant, comforting, and endlessly satisfying.

Make it once, and it’ll become part of your rotation. I promise.

Now go boil some pasta, grab that garlic, and enjoy every bite.

More Delicious Recipes:

• Uncle Julio’s Salsa Recipe
• Chicken Pochero Recipe