Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a dish that combines tender shrimp, golden garlic, and buttery pasta into a restaurant-quality meal made at home.

Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen at Cooks Foody! I know the struggle of craving a delicious, comforting pasta dish only to end up with dry noodles or bland shrimp. That’s why I created this version of Shrimp Scampi Pasta that is perfectly balanced, fresh, and satisfying every time.

In this recipe, I’ll show you why this pasta works so well, the best shrimp to buy, how to prepare it step-by-step, flavor variations, serving ideas, and answers to the most common questions. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to cook Shrimp Scampi Pasta like a pro even on busy weeknights.

Why This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe Works

Uses simple, fresh ingredients you already have at home.
Ready in just 30 minutes perfect for weeknights.
Packed with garlic-butter flavor and juicy shrimp.
Versatile enough for a quick dinner or a special occasion.

Choosing the Right Shrimp for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Large or jumbo shrimp work best. They stay juicy and hold up well when tossed with pasta.

Buying Tips

Look for shrimp labeled wild-caught for better flavor.
Choose peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time.
Fresh or frozen both work just thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge.

Substitutions

Swap shrimp with scallops for a similar texture.
Use gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
Try zucchini noodles if you prefer a low-carb version.

Ingredients & Prep for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Prep Essentials

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt & pepper for seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (instead of wine)
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Pasta Base

12 oz linguine or spaghetti
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Pre-Cooking Prep for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.

Cooking Method for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, simmering for 2–3 minutes.
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with cooked pasta.

Doneness Check for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp should be opaque and pink.
Pasta should be coated in a light garlic-butter sauce.

Resting Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes in the skillet to soak up the flavors before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp in Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp cooks quickly remove it from heat as soon as it turns pink.

Tool Recommendations for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Use a cast-iron skillet for even searing.
A pasta fork helps toss everything together easily.

Storage & Reheating Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Store in the fridge up to 2 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

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Flavor Variations for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Variation	How to Add It	Flavor Boost
Spicy Shrimp Scampi Pasta	Add extra chili flakes or sliced jalapeños	Bold, fiery kick
Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta	Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end	Rich and velvety
Veggie Shrimp Scampi Pasta	Add spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes	Fresh and colorful
Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi Pasta	Add olives, artichokes, and feta	Bright, tangy twist

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
Serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Great for family dinners or special date nights.

FAQs About Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw before cooking.

How do I fix dry pasta?
Add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Is Shrimp Scampi Pasta healthy?
Yes shrimp is high in protein and low in fat.

Conclusion

If you’re ready for a quick, flavorful meal, this Shrimp Scampi Pasta will become your go-to recipe. It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining. Try it tonight and discover why so many readers at Cooks Foody love this dish.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta 5 Secrets for Easy, Flavorful Dinner