Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Love easy pasta dishes? This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe features shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon, and pasta in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- 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)
Ingredients
- 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
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.