Description
This classic Shrimp Scampi with Pasta features tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. A quick and elegant Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
To Serve (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the buttery lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Parsley and Season: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and grated Parmesan on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the pasta.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency easily.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but are optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
