Here’s a Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe — easy to follow, full of flavor, and perfect for a quick dinner. This classic Italian-American dish combines garlic butter shrimp with white wine, lemon, and pasta for a zesty, buttery treat.
🦐 Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe (Serves 4)
🕒 Time
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15–20 minutes
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Total: ~30 minutes
📝 Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti
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Salt (for pasta water)
For the Shrimp Scampi:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
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5 cloves garlic (minced)
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1.5 tbsp)
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
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Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
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Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the Shrimp
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Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Do not overcook.
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Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic-Wine Sauce
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In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
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Add 1 tbsp butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (don’t brown the garlic).
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Pour in the white wine and lemon zest.
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Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Combine Everything
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Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and the lemon juice to the pan.
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Stir in the cooked shrimp and any juices.
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Toss in the drained pasta and add a splash of reserved pasta water to help coat everything evenly.
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Add chopped parsley and toss until pasta is well coated and glossy. Add more pasta water if needed.
6. Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, more lemon if needed).
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Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
🍷 Optional Pairings
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Wine: A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
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Side: Garlic bread or a simple green salad with vinaigrette
🔄 Variations
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Add veggies: Try cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus.
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Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding pasta.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles).