Ever had a bowl of pasta that took you on a flavor journey with just one bite? Shrimp Scampi Pasta does just that! This dish is all about quick and satisfying cravings, mixing succulent shrimp with a splash of lemon and a buttery bliss that coats every strand of pasta. It’s a classic that never goes out of style, perfect for an elegant dinner at home or a casual weeknight treat. Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine!

Why Make This Recipe

Why should this recipe be your new go-to? For starters, it’s remarkably easy to make. We’re talking minimal effort with maximum flavor, and who doesn’t want that? Plus, it cleans up like a dream. Just one pan! Can you say “win-win”? And if you have unexpected guests, this dish will impress without a hitch—perfect for those “Hey, I’m stopping by” moments.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

8 oz spaghetti or linguine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the spaghetti or linguine until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque (2-3 minutes per side). Remove shrimp from skillet.
Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt butter and stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
Return shrimp to the skillet along with any juices. Toss with cooked pasta until well combined. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
Garnish with parsley and lemon zest before serving hot.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta (Overview)

Making this delicious dish is as easy as 1, 2, 3! First, cook your pasta—it’s the foundation of all that goodness. Meanwhile, build up those flavors in your skillet by sautéing garlic and then cooking the shrimp. Don’t even think about skipping the garlic; that’s where the magic happens! After melting the butter and adding lemon juice, toss everything together. Easy peasy, right?

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Now, for the fun part—serving! Picture this: a generous pile of glistening pasta topped with plump shrimp, sprinkled with green parsley, and kissed with lemon zest. That vibrant plate just begs for a glass of white wine and some crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce. You might want to grab a fork quick, or it’ll disappear faster than you can say “pasta party!”

How to Store Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Leftovers? Yes, please! You can keep this delightful dish in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, it’s best to do so right after cooking but before adding the parsley and lemon zest. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive that sauce.

Tips to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Don’t rush the garlic. Toast it just enough to release those lovely flavors—it’s worth the wait!
If you’re feeling wild, add a splash of white wine when you sauté the garlic for an extra depth of flavor.
Lean towards large shrimp for a satisfying bite—no one likes tiny shrimp hiding in pasta.
For a little kick, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat level—go bold or keep it mild!
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for that pop of freshness; it makes a world of difference!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Switch it up by adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and additional nutrients. Want to make it meat-free? Use tofu to soak up the same delicious flavors or try chickpeas for a fun twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking, and get ready for that same great taste!

What’s the best type of pasta?
Spaghetti or linguine works best, but feel free to experiment with whatever you have in your pantry. It’s pasta, after all!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally! Cook the pasta and make the shrimp scampi, but wait on mixing them together until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.

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