The Best Homemade Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This shrimp scampi pasta is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

• Bold flavors: Garlic, butter, and lemon come together for a bright, rich sauce that coats every bite.
• Simple ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create something impressive without fuss.
• Ready in minutes: From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Recipe

Shrimp scampi pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon, and pasta for a flavorful meal. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Deglaze the skillet with white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes:

• For a richer sauce, substitute wine with heavy cream.
• Fresh shrimp works best, but thawed frozen shrimp can also be used.

Equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes

Cuisine:

Italian-American

Serving:

4 servings

Nutrition

This homemade shrimp scampi pasta is a flavorful dish packed with protein and healthy fats. Below is the nutritional information per serving.

What To Serve With It

Wondering what to pair with your shrimp scampi pasta? I love serving it with crispy garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up that buttery sauce—and a fresh, tangy salad to balance the richness. Let’s talk about which salads and breads work best so your meal feels complete without extra fuss.

Garlic Bread Pairings

When I’m serving up a plate of shrimp scampi pasta, I always think garlic bread is a must-have on the side. There’s something magical about the way the crispy, buttery bread soaks up that garlicky sauce. I like to toast mine until it’s golden brown, then sprinkle it with parsley for a fresh touch. Sometimes, I’ll add a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra richness. It’s the perfect balance to the zesty scampi. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike can’t resist it. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because it disappears fast!

Fresh Salad Options

A crisp, invigorating salad can be the perfect sidekick to your shrimp scampi pasta, balancing out the dish’s rich flavors with something light and vibrant. I love tossing together a simple mixed greens salad with spinach, arugula, and cherry tomatoes. A tangy vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt adds brightness without overpowering the meal. For something heartier, I’ll throw in cucumber slices, avocado, or shaved Parmesan. Sometimes, I’ll even add toasted nuts for a bit of crunch. It’s quick, revitalizing, and makes the whole dinner feel complete without taking away from the star of the show.

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younes

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