Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti — A Restaurant-Quality Italian Classic
If you’re looking for a quick, elegant, and utterly delicious dinner, Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is the answer. This classic Italian-American dish brings together juicy shrimp, garlic-infused butter, white wine, and fresh lemon juice — all tossed with tender spaghetti for a bright, flavorful meal that tastes like something straight out of a seaside trattoria.
The best part? It takes under 30 minutes to make, using simple pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or whenever you crave a restaurant-quality pasta without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or linguine)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) — or substitute with chicken broth
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm but tender).
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
Toss the cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside — they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, then stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to concentrate.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce.
Add the cooked spaghetti, tossing well to ensure every strand is coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce.
If the pasta seems dry, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Serve the Shrimp Scampi hot, topped with:
- A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- A squeeze of extra lemon juice for brightness
- Lemon wedges on the side for serving
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need 1–2 minutes per side — once they turn pink, they’re done.
Use fresh lemon juice: It makes a big difference in the flavor.
Choose good-quality wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds brightness.
Balance butter and oil: The olive oil keeps the butter from burning and adds richness to the sauce.
Reserve pasta water: It’s the secret to making the sauce cling perfectly to the spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Scampi is delicious on its own, but you can make it a full Italian meal by serving it with:
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette (to soak up that sauce!)
- A crisp Caesar salad or Caprese salad
- A glass of chilled white wine — the perfect pairing!
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth — avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as cooked shrimp can become tough when frozen and reheated.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti is everything a perfect pasta dish should be — simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The garlic butter sauce, the hint of lemon, and the perfectly cooked shrimp come together for a dish that feels both comforting and elegant.
It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for date night or dinner guests. Once you make it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation — guaranteed!