There’s something magical about the way tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a twirl of pasta can come together on a plate and immediately transport you to an Italian trattoria. Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is one of those dazzlingly simple yet impressive recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again—whether it’s date night, a family dinner, or a craving for a little luxury on a weeknight. Bursting with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and a silky, garlicky sauce, this classic dish combines elegance with unfussy comfort. If you haven’t yet fallen in love with Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti, you’re about to discover your new dinnertime obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is that each ingredient plays a starring role. You don’t need a long list to create big flavors—just a few fresh, high-quality components that bring the taste, texture, and color of the dish to life.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): The classic pasta shape for soaking up all that buttery, lemony goodness—substitute with gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Juicy, sweet shrimp are the heart of the dish; use fresh or thawed-from-frozen for best results.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): This gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture and balances the garlic and citrus flavors.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Extra virgin adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the garlic to savory perfection.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone—don’t skimp, fresh is best for maximum flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a touch of heat that wakes up the sauce without overpowering it—add to your desired spice level.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth (½ cup): Adds complexity and bright acidity, creating that signature scampi sauce (either works beautifully).
- Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh lemon juice infuses the entire dish with brightness and zing; squeeze just before adding for maximum freshness.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds color, freshness, and a little grassy lift right at the end.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Season each component to give the flavors dimension and depth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): The final flourish—melty, savory, nutty cheese ties every twirl of pasta together.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—the starchy liquid is going to make your scampi sauce beautifully glossy and help those flavors cling to the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil with 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic (and the red pepper flakes, if using) and let everything sizzle just until fragrant. Keep it to about a minute—enough to take the raw edge off but not long enough to brown the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp straight into the garlicky oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. As soon as your shrimp are happy and cooked, scoop them out and set them aside—in just a few minutes, they’re coming right back.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the hot skillet, scraping up any golden bits at the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so it reduces slightly and concentrates in flavor. Whisk in the remaining butter, all of the fresh lemon juice, and some of that reserved pasta water to make a luscious, light sauce.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked shrimp to your skillet and toss them in the sauce, making sure every piece is coated. Add the cooked spaghetti and the chopped parsley, then toss everything together. Let the pasta warm through in the sauce for just a minute until everything is glossy and perfectly combined. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Pile the Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti into warm bowls, then shower each serving with plenty of grated Parmesan. Serve immediately, while it’s silky and hot, for the ultimate comforting pasta experience.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
Garnishes
The right garnish transforms your Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti from good to crave-worthy. Sprinkle on extra chopped parsley and another hit of grated Parmesan for color and punchy flavor. A couple of lemon wedges or a fresh grind of black pepper also add a little welcome brightness at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star, but it’s lovely to serve alongside a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli add color and crunch without upstaging your scampi.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not treat your guests to something extra special? Serve Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti in shallow pasta bowls for a restaurant-style feel, or twirl the pasta into little nests and top each with shrimp for an elegant plated presentation. You can even skewer the shrimp for appetizers and pile the garlicky noodles into mini cups for a playful party spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti can be transferred into an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to chill it as soon as possible to maintain the delicate flavor and texture of the shrimp and pasta.
Freezing
While the sauce holds up well, shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated. If you do wish to freeze, store the scampi sauce and pasta separately for best texture, and add fresh-cooked shrimp when you’re ready to enjoy the dish.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Warm it over low heat just until steaming—this keeps the shrimp juicy and prevents the pasta from getting mushy. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley or cheese to liven up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp in the refrigerator or under cold running water, pat them dry, and proceed with the recipe. Fresh or frozen, both deliver wonderful results as long as your shrimp are peeled and deveined.
What’s the best wine to use in the scampi sauce?
Go for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay—these offer bright acidity without overwhelming the delicate seafood. If you prefer to skip the wine, substitute chicken broth for great flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe for Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti remains unchanged!
Can I add vegetables to Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti?
Definitely! Blanched asparagus, baby spinach, or halved cherry tomatoes tossed in with the pasta are all delicious additions that bring extra color and nutrition to the dish.
Is this dish spicy?
Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti has just a subtle kick, thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. You’re completely in control—add a little, a lot, or skip them entirely based on your own spice preference!
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking something that’s as impressive as it is comforting, Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is truly a kitchen hero. I hope you savor every bright, garlicky, buttery forkful—and share the love by making it for friends and family. Try it soon and let this Italian-inspired classic become your go-to for any night you want to treat yourself!
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Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful dish of Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti, where succulent shrimp are tossed in a flavorful garlic and lemon butter sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This classic Italian-inspired recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- salt and black pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked spaghetti and chopped parsley, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Garnish with extra lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
