Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is that dinner party staple that never fails to impress—or to satisfy those weeknight cravings when you want something that feels just a little more special. Imagine juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce, all tangled up with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. It’s bright, quick to whip up, and still tastes like you invested a ton of effort (even though it’s on the table in under 30 minutes). Whether for a family meal or a date night in, this dish brings restaurant-level flavor right to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Take a peek in your pantry and fridge—chances are you already have almost everything! Each ingredient for Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti truly counts, playing a key role in either adding depth, a pop of color, or that signature zesty bite we all love.
- Shrimp: Choose large, raw shrimp for juicy texture and sweet flavor—frozen works perfectly, just thaw first.
- Spaghetti: Classic long pasta is a must, ensuring every strand gets coated in that scampi sauce.
- Butter: Rich butter forms the dreamy foundation of the sauce and ties all the flavors together.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and prevents the butter from burning while cooking the garlic and shrimp.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves bring bold aroma and sharp bite—that iconic scampi essence.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness that cuts through the richness and wakes up the dish.
- White wine: Dry wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce—choose something you’d enjoy drinking!
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch brings gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley finishes the dish with a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection—taste as you go!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in the spaghetti. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente—it should still have a little bite. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is an ace up your sleeve for adjusting the consistency of the scampi sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for a minute or so, just until they start to turn pink on the bottom. Flip them, season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and cook for just another minute. Scoop them out to a plate—shrimp cook fast, so don’t let them overdo it!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, drop in the garlic and let it gently sizzle in the flavorful butter-olive oil mix. When the garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds), pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Let the mixture bubble for a minute or two to cook off the raw alcohol flavor and reduce just slightly. Swirl in the rest of the butter for ultimate silkiness, and season again if needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp (and any juices) to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together. If the sauce seems a bit thin, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it lightly clings to the noodles. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fragrant finish and taste to adjust seasonings one last time.
Step 5: Plate and Enjoy
Twirling up Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is the grand finale! Serve hot, topped with a touch more parsley and, if you like, a sprinkling of extra red pepper flakes or lemon zest for even more zing. This dish is at its best right from the pan!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
Garnishes
A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of green and freshness. For extra flair, try a light dusting of grated Parmesan (even though it’s not traditional) or a sprinkle of lemon zest to really amplify those citrus notes in the sauce. Cracked black pepper and a few more red pepper flakes can be added to each plate for diners who love a bit more heat.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is already light and satisfying, but a simple salad of arugula tossed with olive oil and shaved Parmesan makes a bright, peppery companion. Serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette—perfect for sopping up any extra sauce left on the plate. Steamed vegetables such as asparagus or green beans are another lovely way to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Next time you make this dish, try serving individual portions of Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti in large, shallow bowls to create an elegant, restaurant-style experience. For a fun twist, swap spaghetti for smaller pasta like angel hair, and nestle a few shrimp right on top for a beautiful visual. If you’re hosting friends, present the whole skillet at the table and let everyone help themselves—family-style dining makes it extra inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti, transfer the cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld and deepen, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce—don’t worry, you can easily revive it when reheating with a splash of water or broth.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti, it’s not ideal since shrimp can get rubbery and the pasta can lose its texture after thawing. If you must freeze, place cooled portions in a tightly sealed container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or even a pat of butter to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently and heat only until just warmed through to keep the shrimp tender. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the shrimp tough and the pasta gummy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear up beautifully and prevents extra water from diluting your sauce.
Is there a substitute for white wine?
You can swap in chicken or seafood broth with a splash of extra lemon juice for acidity. The wine adds wonderful depth, but your Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti will still be delicious without it!
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely—while spaghetti is the classic choice for Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the pasta’s cooking time.
How can I make this dish gluten free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the spaghetti. Most major brands hold up well and still soak up the scampi sauce gorgeously.
What wine pairs best with Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti?
A crisp, dry white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a sparkling Prosecco makes a lovely match, echoing the bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs in the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti at home, I hope you’re inspired to take the plunge. With its vibrant sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, this is a meal that instantly upgrades any night of the week. Tuck in and savor every zesty, buttery bite—you deserve it!
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Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic and flavorful recipe for Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti that is sure to impress. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky, buttery sauce served over a bed of al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add white wine, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly. Stir in butter until melted. Add cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti!
Notes
- You can customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
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