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Quick 15-Minute Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner Idea

quick shrimp scampi pasta - featured image

A fast and fuss-free shrimp scampi pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes, featuring a garlicky, buttery sauce with lemon brightness and tender shrimp. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of one large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and starts to foam, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until reduced slightly.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss together with the sauce. If the mixture looks dry, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky and well-coated.
  7. Remove from heat and squeeze the juice of one lemon (about 3 tablespoons) over the pasta. Toss in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Plate the pasta, and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and lemon zest for extra flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp; they should curl into a loose ‘C’ shape when done. Use fresh garlic for best flavor and reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce. Control heat to avoid burning garlic. If interrupted, keep pasta warm with a drizzle of olive oil and gently rewarm sauce before combining.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, quick dinner, pasta recipe, easy shrimp pasta, garlic butter sauce, lemon pasta, weeknight meal