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
- 12 oz large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water use as needed to loosen the sauce
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcal
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