Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta is SO EASY! Succulent shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick, elegant meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and toss everything together. If the sauce feels dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Grate Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Garlic press or knife
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Citrus juicer or reamer
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp; cook just until pink and firm for the best texture.
- Cook garlic gently in butter over medium heat to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to pasta perfectly.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to prevent oversalting.
- For dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.