Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the perfect marriage of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and buttery white wine sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This classic Italian-American dish is luxurious yet refreshingly simple.

Every twirl of pasta carries the bright flavors of lemon, herbs, and the richness of butter — making it feel like something straight from a fine seaside restaurant.

It’s a timeless recipe that never fails to impress, whether for a weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or a dinner party with friends.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it brings together everything I crave in comfort food — rich, buttery flavors balanced with freshness and zest. The shrimp cook in minutes, absorbing all that garlicky, lemony goodness, and the pasta soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully.

It’s one of those dishes that looks and tastes elegant but is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Every bite feels indulgent yet light enough to enjoy any day of the week.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Garlic butter bliss: The sauce is aromatic, silky, and mouthwateringly good.
Bright and balanced: The lemon and wine cut through the richness perfectly.
Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes — gourmet in no time.
Impressive yet easy: Ideal for date nights or guests without stress.
Perfect harmony: Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious sauce!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings

Serves 4 people

Calories

Approximately 520 calories per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course / Dinner / Seafood Pasta

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi Pasta:

12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
Juice of ½ lemon (plus more for serving)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook pasta until al dente and set aside.
Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil.
Add shrimp and cook until pink.
Deglaze with white wine and lemon juice.
Toss pasta in the sauce, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot!

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t brown it).

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp in a single layer.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and lemon juice.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping any flavorful bits from the pan.
Let the sauce reduce slightly, then add the remaining butter for richness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the drained pasta and shrimp back to the skillet.
Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

Serve the Shrimp Scampi Pasta immediately while it’s warm and fragrant.
Pair with:

Garlic bread or crusty baguette
A crisp green salad
A chilled glass of white wine

Perfect for a romantic dinner, elegant family meal, or weekend indulgence.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they become rubbery quickly.
For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of cream at the end.
If you prefer no alcohol, substitute chicken broth for wine.
Reserve pasta water — it’s the secret to silky sauce!

Recipe Variations

Tomato Scampi: Add cherry tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Spicy Scampi: Increase red pepper flakes for heat.
Creamy Scampi: Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a luscious sauce.
Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, asparagus, or zucchini ribbons.
Lemon Basil Scampi: Add fresh basil and extra lemon zest.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Freezing:

Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month.
Reheat from frozen over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or pasta fork
Lemon zester (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this without wine?
Yes! Substitute the white wine with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.

Q2: What pasta works best for shrimp scampi?
Linguine or spaghetti are traditional, but angel hair or fettuccine also work beautifully.

Q3: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q4: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice or chickpea linguine.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, asparagus, or broccoli pair wonderfully with shrimp and garlic butter.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Garlic Butter and Wine is the definition of simple elegance — a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless. The combination of juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates a flavor harmony that’s both bright and rich.

Whether for a quick weekday dinner or an elegant weekend meal, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. It’s fresh, comforting, and simply irresistible.