Easy Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a seafood dish that’s quick, delicious, and perfectly comforting, then this Easy Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this comes together with just a handful of ingredients and in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. You’ll find that the bright lemon, garlicky butter, and tender shrimp paired with angel hair pasta create such a satisfying meal. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can nail it every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together beautifully—simple, fresh, and designed to boost the shrimp’s natural sweetness while balancing the richness of butter and pasta. Here are a few tips about choosing the best versions of each.

• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and depth.
• Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness perfectly.
• Onion: A medium yellow or sweet onion works well for sweetness; finely dice to ensure it melts into the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced or pressed give the sauce that punch—avoid pre-minced garlic if you can for freshness.
• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are super convenient and make the dish easier to eat.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the whole dish—bottled juice just isn’t the same.
• White wine: Choose a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio; it adds subtle acidity and complexity.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Adjust to taste, and remember to season little by little.
• Hot sauce: Adds a gentle heat; I love Tabasco, but you can choose your favorite.
• Angel hair pasta: This thin pasta cooks fast and holds sauce beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the best melty richness on top.
• Fresh basil and parsley: Bright herbs that add freshness and color as a final touch.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe is—once you get the basics down, feel free to mix things up! I often tweak the flavors depending on what herbs or heat levels my family is craving.

• Spicy kick: I sometimes swap Tabasco for chili flakes or even a spicy harissa paste for a different heat vibe—my family enjoys the extra fire!
• Herb swap: When basil or parsley aren’t around, oregano or thyme can make a lovely substitute that still feels fresh.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your wine and other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe swap.
• Protein swap: I’ve even tried this with scallops or chicken breast when shrimp isn’t available, and it still turns out fantastic.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta and Shrimp Sauce

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—that way, it’s ready the moment your sauce is finished. While the water heats, melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This forms the flavorful base of your sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Build the Sauce

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet and stir them around just until they start turning pink—about 2 minutes. Then squeeze in that fresh lemon juice for brightness, pour in the white wine, and season with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer while you cook the pasta.

Step 3: Cook Pasta and Toss Everything Together

Put your angel hair pasta into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this usually takes just a few minutes because angel hair cooks super fast. Drain the pasta, but reserve 1 to 2 cups of the pasta water before you do. This starchy water is your secret weapon to loosen the sauce and make it silky.

Remove your skillet from heat and add the pasta right into the shrimp sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if you need a looser sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—sometimes it needs just a pinch more salt or pepper.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil and parsley over the top. Serve immediately while it’s warm and fragrant. I promise you, this simple yet luxurious pasta dish will impress anyone you share it with.

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish this with freshly chopped parsley and basil—not just for looks but they add such a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite. Don’t skip the parmesan cheese on top, either; it melts into the warm pasta and adds a salty, savory touch I just can’t live without.

Side Dishes

For sides, I typically keep it light with a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus—something fresh that balances the richness of the scampi. Garlic bread is also a family favorite when serving this for a cozy dinner at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this in large shallow bowls, topping with a little extra herb mix and a lemon wedge on the side. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of good olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat—it never fails to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shrimp can lose some texture, so I recommend reheating gently.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze very well because the pasta tends to get mushy and shrimp texture changes. I suggest only freezing the shrimp sauce separately if needed and adding freshly cooked pasta after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave can work in a pinch, but stir often to heat evenly and avoid drying out the shrimp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Recipe, I was hooked instantly. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients that come together for a dish that tastes so much fancier than the effort it takes. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this recipe is a reliable go-to that always pleases. Give it a shot—you’ll be amazed how quickly it turns into a favorite in your kitchen too!

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