Creamy Garlic Scampi Pasta with Shrimp

Creamy Garlic Scampi Pasta with Shrimp is the perfect combination of juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy pasta comfort.

This dish brings together the best of Italian-American cuisine — a luscious, velvety sauce coating every strand of pasta, with golden sautéed shrimp that melt in your mouth. It’s an elegant meal that feels like a restaurant dish, yet it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it hits every note — savory, creamy, garlicky, and satisfying. The shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the buttery garlic flavor beautifully.

The cream sauce is indulgent but perfectly balanced with lemon and parmesan. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while making it is irresistible! It’s my go-to dish for special occasions or cozy dinner nights.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
• The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with juicy shrimp.
• It tastes like a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost.
• It’s versatile — you can adjust spice levels, use any pasta, or even add veggies.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings

• Serves: 4 people

Calories

• Calories per serving: ~520 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• Water for boiling
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Scampi Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Sauté shrimp in butter and olive oil until pink, then remove from pan.
3. Make the creamy sauce with garlic, broth, cream, and Parmesan.
4. Add pasta and shrimp back to the sauce, toss, and finish with lemon juice and parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain, toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
3. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
5. Stir in lemon juice and zest for brightness.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet.
2. Toss gently until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

Serve your Creamy Garlic Scampi Pasta hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, and freshly cracked black pepper. It pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
• A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus
• A chilled glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook fast and turn rubbery if left too long.
• Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture.
• You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Variations

• Spicy Scampi Pasta: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Garlic Butter Only: Skip the cream for a classic garlic butter scampi pasta.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Swap Protein: Replace shrimp with scallops or grilled chicken.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce for up to 1 month (though the texture may slightly change).
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Whisk
• Fine grater or zester

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

Q2: What pasta shape works best?
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work great — the sauce clings beautifully to them.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream or cashew cream and skip Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Q4: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, cook the pasta and sauce separately. Combine and reheat just before serving for the best texture.

Q5: Why did my sauce separate?
Overheating cream can cause it to curdle. Keep the heat low when mixing the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Scampi Pasta with Shrimp is the ultimate comfort dish — rich, creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish guarantees a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.