Some nights call for a dinner that feels a little special without asking much of you, and this shrimp scampi pasta fits that perfectly. Tender shrimp get seared until golden, then tossed with pasta in a buttery garlic sauce brightened with lemon and finished with Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it took a lot longer than the 20 minutes it actually takes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-style flavor, weeknight speed. Ready in just 20 minutes, start to finish.
- Buttery, garlicky, and bright. The lemon and chicken broth keep the sauce light instead of heavy, while the butter and garlic give it richness.
- One skillet for the sauce and shrimp. Fewer dishes, more flavor built up in the pan.
- A little heat is optional. Red pepper flakes let you dial the spice up or down to taste.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
1. Cook the pasta. Cook the linguine or spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the shrimp. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add lemon and broth. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so the sauce becomes bright and flavorful.
6. Toss the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up.
7. Add the shrimp. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently until coated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley.
8. Serve hot. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need 1 to 2 minutes per side; they’ll finish warming through when tossed back in at the end.
- Reserve that pasta water. The starch in it helps the sauce cling to the noodles, so don’t skip it.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest make a difference. They give the sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice.
- Adjust the heat to taste. Leave out the red pepper flakes entirely for a milder dish, or add extra if you like it spicier.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
A simple side salad or some garlic bread rounds out the meal nicely. Since the dish is already rich with butter and Parmesan, something light and fresh on the side helps balance the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before searing so they brown instead of steam.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works as a substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the linguine or spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes so the sauce becomes bright and flavorful.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently until coated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan, if desired.
