Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner? This shrimp scampi with pasta recipe is your answer! It’s a timeless Italian-American favorite where succulent shrimp meet silky linguine, all coated in a garlicky, lemony butter sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. The flavor? Bold, fresh, buttery, and just a little bit luxurious.

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a dinner party showstopper, this shrimp scampi recipe is easy to whip up in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor or elegance.

Why This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Works

• ✅ Ready in 30 minutes
• ✅ Restaurant-quality with simple ingredients
• ✅ Lemon, garlic, butter, and wine = magic
• ✅ Family-approved and dinner-guest worthy

This is the kind of dish that tastes like you worked hard but really, it’s just smart cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe yields 6 generous servings. You can easily halve or double it depending on your crowd.

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 1 (16 oz) package linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 shallots, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended)

the Shrimp:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Finish:

• ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon olive oil for drizzling

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until just shy of al dente about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the shallots turn translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Your kitchen will already smell amazing.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and just opaque. Don’t overcook. Remove shrimp from the pan and keep warm.

4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it come to a gentle boil.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring until everything melts together and begins to simmer.

5. Combine Everything

Return the pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the buttery sauce. Add the chopped parsley, a final pinch of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to bring everything together.

Chef Linda’s Pro Tips 🧑‍🍳

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They’re done as soon as they curl and turn pink.
• No wine? Use a splash of chicken broth and an extra squeeze of lemon.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone at the end.
• Love heat? Increase the red pepper flakes or toss in some fresh chili.
• Gluten-free version? Use gluten-free linguine or rice noodles.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Looking to turn this into a full meal? Try it with:

• Crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach
• A chilled glass of white wine (the one you used in the sauce is perfect!)

Storage & Reheating

Shrimp scampi is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.
• Freezing not recommended as the shrimp texture can change after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What kind of pasta works best?
Linguine is classic, but spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine also work well.

Is shrimp scampi spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. You can skip them if you prefer it mild.

Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely replace with chicken broth and add extra lemon juice for brightness.

Final Thoughts

This shrimp scampi with pasta recipe is a total crowd-pleaser rich yet refreshing, fast yet fancy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this is a go-to dish that never fails.

So pour a glass of wine, grab a skillet, and let this buttery, lemony shrimp scampi bring a little gourmet into your kitchen tonight.