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Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta - featured image

A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta recipe that combines buttery richness, garlicky warmth, and a touch of bright lemon for a comforting and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  5. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Stir in chopped parsley, adjust salt and black pepper to taste. The sauce should be silky and coat the pasta evenly.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach desired consistency. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. White wine adds brightness but can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth. For dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil. Gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, shrimp pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, garlic butter sauce, seafood pasta