Savour the irresistible flavours of Shrimp Scampi Pasta, a seafood dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfectly paired with linguine or your favourite pasta, this versatile recipe can be made with angel hair for a lighter option. Quick and easy to prepare, Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress with its blend of savoury and citrusy notes, making it a go-to dish for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp (31 to 35 per pound) for the best outcome in this dish.
Pasta: The recipe calls for a 16-ounce package of linguine, but feel free to swap it with any pasta you like, such as angel hair, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness as you season later.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Since the olive oil’s flavour plays a key role, choose a high-quality extra-virgin variety.
Shallots and garlic: These fragrant ingredients provide the rich flavour base for the shrimp scampi.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the best taste.
Seasonings: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper bring out the flavours, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more flakes.
Parsley: Fresh parsley gives a pop of colour and a light, peppery flavour.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta
The complete recipe with detailed steps is provided below, but here are some essential tips to ensure success:
Prepare in advance: Before heating your skillet, make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This way, you won’t need to stop and chop, measure, or squeeze anything while cooking. If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them earlier in the day, then refrigerate until you’re ready to start cooking.
Cook the pasta first: Start by boiling the pasta in salted water. Once it’s done, drain and set it aside before moving on to the shrimp scampi. Add the pasta to the hot skillet to warm it up before serving. To avoid it sitting too long, time it so you can begin cooking the shrimp right after the pasta is ready.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, in just a few minutes. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. You’ll know they’re almost done when they curl into a C shape and change from translucent grey to pinkish-white.
Islas’s Top Shrimp Scampi Tips
What do culinary expert and senior producer Isla love about this shrimp scampi recipe that rivals restaurant quality? “It’s not only simple and more affordable to make at home, but it’s also ready to serve in just 25 minutes.” With minimal ingredients, the shrimp truly takes centre stage. Here are a few of Isla’s top tips:
Isla prefers linguine for a more substantial texture, but if you want something lighter, opt for angel hair pasta instead.
Be sure to save about a cup of water for your pasta. Mix in some of that water if the dish seems a bit dry at the end. “It’ll give your shrimp scampi a more luscious, saucy finish,” Isla advises.
Pair your shrimp scampi with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce for the perfect meal.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe
- 1 (16-ounce) package of linguine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 finely diced shallots
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- A pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (optional, for taste)
Directions step by step for Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe
Step 1:
Prepare all ingredients.
Step 2:
In a spacious pot, heat salted water until it boils. Cook the linguine until it is nearly tender, which should take approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 4:
Add the shallots, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking and stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the shallots become translucent.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink. Take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside to stay warm.
Step 6:
Pour lemon juice into the skillet and boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
Step 7:
Add 2 more tablespoons of butter to the skillet, mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and allow it to simmer gently.
Step 8:
Toss the cooked linguine, shrimp, and fresh parsley into the butter mixture, ensuring everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary, then drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil before serving.
Step 9:
Serve hot and enjoy!
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity, offering a rich, flavorful meal that’s ideal for any occasion. The dish features succulent shrimp, sautéed with garlic and shallots in a luscious butter and olive oil sauce, enhanced by the brightness of fresh lemon juice. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, it creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that feel indulgent yet light.
One of the best aspects of Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is its versatility. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, coming together in about 25 minutes with minimal ingredients. Whether you use linguine, angel hair, or your preferred pasta, the shrimp is the true star, soaking up the savoury sauce while remaining tender and juicy.
This dish is perfect for entertaining guests, as it offers a sense of sophistication, but it’s equally suitable for a comforting weeknight dinner. Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and you have a complete meal that will surely satisfy everyone. With its bright, garlicky flavours and satisfying textures, Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a timeless classic that will always impress!