Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi is one of those rare fusion dishes that instantly feels like a comfort food classic—just with a flavorful, umami-packed twist. When you pair delicate, briny shrimp with the mellow complexity of white miso and a splash of lemon, the result is a pasta dish that is both luxuriously buttery and vibrantly fresh. In less than half an hour, you’ll have a gorgeous meal that looks and tastes like it belongs in a trattoria—yet comes together effortlessly in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply after a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list to make something unforgettable—each ingredient here is chosen for what it brings to the table, from depth of flavor to color and freshness. Let’s take a closer look at why every component is important for perfect Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi:

Shrimp: Go for large, peeled and deveined shrimp for juicy bites that cook evenly.
Spaghetti or linguine: Either pasta works, offering a satisfying base that soaks up every drop of the miso butter sauce.
White miso paste: Adds a mellow, slightly sweet umami layer that makes this scampi unforgettably unique.
Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, velvety texture to the sauce—essential for classic scampi goodness.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics, infusing everything with Mediterranean warmth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that signature scampi aroma and bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat that brightens all the flavors without overpowering them.
Dry white wine (or chicken broth): Gives body and acidity, perfectly deglazing the pan for a deeper sauce.
Lemon juice: Lifts the heaviness of the butter and miso with a pop of citrus.
Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh green that wakes up every plate.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
Lemon wedges: For serving—everyone can squeeze on extra as they like.

How to Make Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook it just until al dente—still with some bite—according to the package directions. This gives the final dish a perfect texture that still holds up against the luscious sauce. Before you drain the noodles, scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for silky sauces later on.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

While your pasta is working its magic, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and just starts to foam, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds—just until the kitchen smells incredible and the garlic is turning fragrant, but not browned.

Step 3: Build the Miso Butter Sauce

Add the white miso paste straight to the skillet. Break it up as you stir, letting it blend into the butter and garlic mix. After about a minute, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Stir everything together, letting the sauce turn smooth and slightly glossy—this is where the flavor magic starts to happen.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Now, add your shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook them about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque all the way through. Don’t walk away—shrimp cook fast, and you want them juicy, not rubbery! Once done, turn the heat down low to keep everything warm.

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Shrimp and Sauce

Time to bring it all together. Add the drained pasta right into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Drop in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything until the noodles are glossy and perfectly coated with the miso butter sauce. If it looks a little tight, add another splash of pasta water for silky-smooth sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take your Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi off the heat. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for each plate. The final dish is vibrant, lush, and ready to impress.

How to Serve Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

Go big on fresh chopped parsley for a burst of green that brings out all the lemony, umami flavors in the dish. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes adds a touch more heat if you like things spicy. And of course, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon right at the table wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi doesn’t need a lot of extras, but a crisp green salad or some lightly dressed arugula is a classic pairing that cuts through the richness. Crusty bread is a must for sopping up every last drop of that miso butter sauce. If you want a pop of color, add some steamed peas or quick-sautéed spinach right into the skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi family-style in a big, shallow bowl with lemon wedges everywhere, ready for squeezing. For dinner parties, twirl the pasta into little nests on plates and top each with a few shrimp. Or try tossing the shrimp and sauce with short pasta like orecchiette and spooning over garlicky white beans for a hearty twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before sealing tightly in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi keeps well for up to two days, making it a delicious lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, for best results, separate the shrimp from the pasta and sauce before storing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. This helps prevent the shrimp from overcooking and the pasta from turning mushy when you reheat.

Reheating

Reheat Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep it silky. Stir frequently and heat just until everything is warmed through, being careful not to cook the shrimp for too long to avoid toughness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine, bucatini, or even short pasta like penne. Just choose something that will hold onto that amazing miso butter sauce.

What if I don’t have white wine?

Chicken broth is a great substitute if you want to skip the wine. It still lends depth and a bit of savory flavor. Vegetable broth works too, especially if you’re keeping the dish pescatarian.

Is it possible to make Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and ensure your miso paste is vegan-friendly. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful, just with a slightly different texture.

How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in a big handful of baby spinach or frozen peas at the end, right before tossing the pasta with the sauce. They’ll cook in the residual heat and add color, nutrients, and freshness.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. The ingredients scale up easily. Just use a larger skillet or divide the cooking into two batches so that the shrimp cook evenly and the pasta gets coated in sauce without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a bowl of Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi—the kind of dish that feels both special and surprisingly simple. With its creamy, umami-laden sauce and bright, lemony shrimp, it’s bound to win you over and maybe even inspire your own creative twists. Give it a try next time you’re craving a meal that’s quick, impressive, and utterly crave-worthy!

Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors, this Easy Miso Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a savory miso butter sauce and tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Pasta:

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons white miso paste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in miso paste, cook for 1 minute, then add white wine and lemon juice.
Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Reduce heat and add cooked pasta, remaining butter, and pasta water. Toss to coat.
Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.