Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels gourmet but comes together in a flash, this Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to. The combination of tender shrimp, bright lemon, and garlic-infused butter sauce clinging to delicate angel hair pasta is pure comfort food magic. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something impressive without a ton of effort.

One thing I love about this recipe is how flexible it is—it’s quick to whip up but feels special enough for guests. Plus, shrimp cooks so fast that you won’t be standing at the stove for long. I promise, once you try this Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe, you’ll be making it again and again when you want a flavorful, fuss-free seafood dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe plays a key role in building the bright, garlicky, buttery flavor that makes it so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before you start cooking.

• Olive oil: Using good quality olive oil adds a lovely fruity richness to the base of your sauce.
• Wild caught jumbo shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp are essential for that tender bite.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic is the star aromatics—don’t skimp here!
• Lemon juice and zest: These bring a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Dry white wine: Adds depth and a subtle acidity that really lifts the sauce.
• Lemon pepper: A handy seasoning to punch up the citrus notes.
• Red chili flakes: Just a pinch brings a little warming heat without overpowering.
• Onion powder and garlic powder: These amplify the savory flavors, creating a rounded profile.
• Minced parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a herby freshness.
• Cold unsalted butter: Stirred in off heat, butter creates that silky, luscious sauce texture.
• Angel hair pasta: Delicate pasta that absorbs the sauce beautifully without getting heavy.

Variations

I find this recipe is totally customizable based on what you have on hand and your personal tastes. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—here are some tweaks I love to experiment with.

• Add some veggies: I sometimes toss in snap peas or cherry tomatoes for a fresh crunch and sweet pop. It brightens the dish and adds texture.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, bump up the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. It turns into a fiery delight that pairs wonderfully with shrimp.
• Swap the pasta: If angel hair isn’t your thing, linguine or spaghetti works great too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Use chicken or tofu: For non-seafood eaters, lightly seasoned chicken or crispy tofu cubes can stand in for shrimp, keeping the flavors vibrant.
• Skip the wine: If you prefer to leave out alcohol, substitute with low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of extra lemon juice—it’s just as flavorful.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp to Pink Perfection

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side just until they turn pink and curl up—shrimp cook super fast, so keep a close eye to avoid rubbery bites. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside. Trust me, undercooking ever so slightly is better than overdoing it here.

Step 2: Build That Garlic Lemon Sauce

To the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté just about 30 seconds until fragrant—you want that garlic aroma to bloom but be careful not to burn it, which can turn bitter. Then, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, white wine, lemon pepper, red chili flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan. Give it a gentle stir and let the sauce simmer very briefly for a couple of minutes to meld flavors—this step makes all the difference.

Step 3: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta and Combine

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions—usually around 3 to 4 minutes—until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water just in case. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your sauce, then return the shrimp to the pan. Turn off the heat and swirl in the cold butter and minced parsley until everything is glossy and perfectly coated. The butter melts into the hot sauce, creating a silky finish that hugs every strand of pasta.

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra fresh parsley and a little bit of finely grated Parmesan cheese on top. The parsley adds a fresh herbal note and nice color contrast, while a light dusting of Parmesan gives a subtle umami kick. If you like, a few lemon wedges on the side are great for squeezing over just before digging in.

Side Dishes

My favorite side is a crisp green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette to echo the pasta’s bright flavors. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is fantastic too—it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. For something warm, steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli pairs beautifully with this dish’s garlicky notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the pasta in a shallow bowl and arranging the shrimp on top like little crowns. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can make it feel restaurant-worthy. Serving in clear glass bowls lets the pretty pink shrimp and vibrant parsley shine, which always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the pasta and sauce into separate airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. I’ve found that storing sauce separately helps keep it tasting fresh and prevents the pasta from soaking up too much liquid and getting mushy. You can enjoy your leftovers within 3 to 5 days comfortably.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp scampi pasta isn’t my favorite since the texture of the shrimp can change after thawing, but if you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the pasta. Reheat sauce gently on the stovetop, and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the pasta and shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or a little reserved pasta water to keep things moist. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to overcook shrimp and dry out the pasta faster.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen because it blends simplicity with a bright, luxurious flavor that feels like a treat any night of the week. I love how quickly it comes together but still manages to impress everyone around the table. So next time you want a no-fuss seafood dinner with big flavor, give this recipe a try — I’m sure you’ll find it becomes one of your favorites too!

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