If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and elegant enough for any occasion, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta is your answer. This classic Italian-American favorite marries succulent shrimp with a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened by a touch of lemon and fresh parsley. Tossed with perfectly cooked linguine, it’s a satisfying meal that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why Cooks Rave About It

The magic of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta lies in its simplicity and incredible depth of flavor. The shrimp cooks quickly in a garlicky, buttery sauce infused with just the right amount of heat from red pepper flakes and brightness from fresh lemon juice. Linguine noodles soak up every bit of that sauce, making every forkful a savory, silky experience.

Home cooks love it because it feels luxurious without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, swapping out shrimp for other seafood or proteins is easy, making it a versatile recipe you can adapt year-round. The fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish, while the parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty contrast that rounds out the dish beautifully.

If you adore seafood pasta, you might also enjoy the rich textures of Garlic Butter Steak And Mushroom Fettuccine or the creamy, zesty notes found in Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne. For a scallop twist, try the Garlic Butter Scallop Fettuccine.

The Essentials

8 oz linguine pasta: The perfect noodle for holding onto the sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps develop the sauce’s silky texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances the butter and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp evenly.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic heart of the dish, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, juicy, and quick to cook, making this recipe fast and flavorful.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that complements the garlic and butter perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the shrimp and pasta.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a bright, fresh acidity to balance the richness.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
Grated parmesan cheese for serving: Enhances the dish with its salty, nutty flavor.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Large pot: For boiling the linguine to al dente perfection.
Large skillet or sauté pan: To cook the shrimp and prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the shrimp and sauce gently.
Garlic press (optional): Makes mincing garlic quick and easy.
Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient quantities.

Stepwise Method: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Step 1: Cook the linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, or they will become rubbery.

Step 4: Finish the sauce

Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the shrimp and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Let the pasta absorb the sauce for a minute or two over low heat.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the pasta and shrimp, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Substitutions by Category

Pasta: Swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne to suit your preference.
Shrimp: Use scallops, crab meat, or firm white fish fillets for a different seafood twist.
Butter and oil: Substitute butter with ghee or a plant-based margarine; olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Herbs: If parsley isn’t available, fresh basil or chives make excellent alternatives.
Spice: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance or omit for a milder dish.
Cheese: Parmesan can be swapped with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

If You’re Curious

Wondering why shrimp scampi always feels so indulgent? It’s all about the balance of simple ingredients working harmoniously—the richness of butter, the pungency of garlic, and the brightness of lemon create a sauce that’s both comforting and vibrant.

Here are some fun facts and tips to elevate your dish:

Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, so keep a close eye to prevent overcooking and maintain that tender texture.
Using freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced or powdered garlic significantly enhances the flavor.
Adding a splash of white wine before the lemon juice can add complexity if you want to experiment.
For a richer sauce, a small dollop of cream stirred in at the end can create a luxurious finish.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Storing: Keep leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp is best eaten fresh, but the pasta will hold up well.

Freezing: Freezing shrimp pasta dishes can affect shrimp texture, so it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately if you plan ahead. Otherwise, freezing is not recommended for this dish.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Garlic Butter Steak And Mushroom Fettuccine – A hearty, savory pasta featuring tender steak and earthy mushrooms.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne – A luscious, creamy pasta with a bright lemon twist that complements shrimp beautifully.
Garlic Butter Scallop Fettuccine – A decadent seafood pasta highlighting sweet scallops in garlic butter sauce.

Bring It to the Table

There’s something so satisfying about serving Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta straight from the skillet to the table. Its inviting aroma of garlic and butter is an instant crowd-pleaser. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan, maybe a lemon wedge on the side for those who love an extra citrus kick. This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing complement. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta will fill your kitchen with warmth and your plate with irresistible flavor.

This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a restaurant-quality meal. Just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients and a bit of love are all it takes to make a memorable Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta that everyone will ask for again and again. Enjoy!

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