Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a flavorful and elegant dish combining succulent large shrimp with a garlicky lemon butter sauce, tossed with linguine or spaghetti. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet luxurious dinner for garlic lovers.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once melted and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear each side for 1–2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, scraping up any browned bits from the shrimp cooking.
- Deglaze with Wine and Add Flavorings: Pour in the dry white wine and let it reduce for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes, allowing the sauce to combine and heat through.
- Add Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, melting it into the sauce to create a rich, silky texture.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed for better consistency.
- Return Shrimp and Add Parsley: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently with the pasta. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi pasta and serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Reserving pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and improve texture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Keywords: Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Garlic Lemon Shrimp, Quick Shrimp Pasta, Italian Seafood Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipes