09/09/2026
🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pasta
12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
1 tbsp salt, for the pasta water
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika, optional
For the Scampi Sauce
½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water
3 tbsp cold unsalted butter
¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly golden.
Transfer the shrimp to a plate. Don't overcook them.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the red pepper flakes, then pour in the white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
4. Make It Silky & Creamy
Add the reserved pasta water and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly so the sauce coats every strand.
Turn the heat to low and add the cold butter and Parmesan.
Toss until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy, silky, and rich.
5. Add the Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
Add lemon zest and fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, or extra lemon juice.
6. Serve
Twirl the pasta onto warm plates and arrange several juicy shrimp on top.
Spoon the extra garlic-butter sauce over the pasta.
Finish with fresh parsley, a little Parmesan, lemon zest, and a small squeeze of lemon.
Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and glossy.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Use large shrimp so they stay juicy and tender.
Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking for better browning.
Don't overcrowd the skillet.
Cook shrimp only until just pink and opaque.
The reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a huge difference.
For an extra luxurious finish, add another small k**b of cold butter right before serving.
🍋 The Perfect Final Bite
The ideal plate has buttery garlic sauce coating every strand of pasta, tender golden shrimp, bright lemon, fresh parsley, and a little Parmesan—rich, savory, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.