Introduction
Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is a classic Italian-American dish known for its bright, buttery, garlic-infused flavor. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich blend of garlic, lemon, and butter, then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The result is a simple yet elegant meal ready in minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Scampi Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pasta
12 ounces spaghetti
Salt for boiling water
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in white wine (or broth) and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add lemon juice and lemon zest.
Stir in parsley.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the shrimp back in.
If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Serve
Plate warm and garnish with extra parsley or lemon if desired.
Description
Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is refreshing, buttery, and full of bright lemon and garlic notes. The tender shrimp add richness, while the light wine-based sauce coats each strand of pasta without feeling heavy. Every bite is flavorful, balanced, and satisfying — the kind of dish that tastes restaurant-quality but is effortless to prepare at home.
Tips
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce texture.
Add extra butter at the end for a silkier finish.
Use high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for a brighter taste.
Variations
Creamy Scampi: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end.
Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Tomato Twist: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet while making the sauce.
Herb Upgrade: Add basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Scampi: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Correction
If the sauce is too thin:
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a small knob of butter.
If the pasta tastes bland:
Add more lemon juice, garlic, or salt to brighten the dish.
If the shrimp turn tough:
Reduce cooking time to just until they turn pink.
Enjoy
Serve this elegant Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti hot from the skillet for a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want a meal that feels special without extra effort.