Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The dish is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The balance of garlic, butter, and lemon elevates the shrimp, while the pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal everyone will love.

ingredients

*unsalted butter
*olive oil
*garlic (minced)
*red pepper flakes (optional)
*shrimp (peeled and deveined)
*lemon juice
*white wine (or chicken broth)
*parmesan cheese (grated)
*fresh parsley (chopped)
*spaghetti
*salt and pepper

directions

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Stir in the shrimp, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately with extra parmesan and parsley on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
*Preparation time: 10 minutes
*Cooking time: 15 minutes
*Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add a handful of spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Use zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pasta for a low-carb version.
Swap the shrimp for scallops or chicken if you prefer.
Add a dash of heavy cream to make the sauce richer.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I use a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used in place of white wine for a similar flavor.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Shrimp cook quickly—be sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the flavors of garlic, butter, and shrimp in a way that’s sure to impress. With its bright and flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal everyone will love. Easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for special occasions!