Shrimp Scampi Recipe with Garlic Butter Pasta
This shrimp scampi recipe is a quick and flavorful pasta dish made with juicy shrimp, garlic butter, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining, it comes together in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- Large shrimp peeled & deveined
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic
- White wine or chicken broth
- Fresh lemon juice & zest
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Cooked spaghetti or linguine
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
- Make garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine or broth and lemon juice. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return shrimp and pasta to the pan. Toss with sauce, add parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Add pasta water as needed.
- Serve hot with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast!
Substitute gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.