Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is fast and simple. It takes less than 30 minutes. The taste is great with garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp. You can make restaurant-style food at home. You can change it up with different pasta or other things. This is comfort food for any time.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Making this dish is easy. First, cook your pasta. Then, cook the shrimp. After that, make the garlic butter sauce. Finally, mix everything together in one pan.
Ingredients of : Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- For the Pasta:
- 1 pound linguine or your favorite pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions of : Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp with paper towels.
- Put salt and pepper on the shrimp.
- Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp & Garlic
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When butter melts, add shrimp in one layer. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Take shrimp out and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add the rest of the 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it smells good. Do not burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Build the Scampi Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Combine & Finish
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the saved pasta water, one spoonful at a time, until it is how you like it.
- Toss everything together until mixed and hot.
- Garnish with the rest of the fresh parsley.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Serve this pasta with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad is also good. Roasted asparagus or broccoli are nice vegetable sides. You can also sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top.
How to Store Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce if needed. Do not overcook the shrimp.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Use good quality shrimp and fresh lemon juice for the best taste. Do not overcook the shrimp, or they will be tough. The starchy pasta water helps make the sauce smooth. Always taste your sauce and add more seasoning if needed.
Variation
- Spicy Scampi: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cherry Tomato Burst: Cook halved cherry tomatoes with the garlic for more sweetness and tang.
- Spinach Addition: Add fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or dill instead of parsley, or with it.
- Tip: Prep Ahead: Get all your ingredients ready (shrimp peeled, garlic minced) before you start cooking. This dish cooks fast!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure they are fully thawed and very dry before cooking.
Q2: What is the best type of pasta for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
Linguine is common, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta also work well.
Q3: Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta without chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The taste will be a little different but still good.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine or your favorite pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining and setting aside.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter, then sauté shrimp in batches until pink, setting aside. Add remaining butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce. Stir in lemon juice, half the parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce in the skillet, tossing to combine. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed, then mix until hot and garnish with remaining parsley.