Shrimp Scampi pasta

This quick and easy shrimp scampi pasta recipe is ready in 15 minutes. Garlic, chilli, herbs and fresh lemon in a white wine butter sauce is perfect with the juicy shrimp and al dente pasta.

Ingredients Needed

• Shrimp/prawns. I prefer using whole shrimp, peeling and deveining them myself as they are always the sweetest and juiciest. Substitute with peeled, thawed shrimp/prawns.
• Olive oil. 
• Butter.
• Garlic powder. 
• Chilli flakes/red pepper flakes.
• Fresh garlic cloves. 
• Fresh parsley. Other fresh herbs like chives and oregano will also work.
• Lemon. I only use fresh lemon juice but you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest if you want a stronger lemon flavor.
• White wine. If you’d prefer to make this without alcohol, substitute the wine with chicken broth or stock. However, the alcohol does burn off while cooking.
• Pasta. I used fettucine but any long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, angel hair pasta or bucatini will all be delicious.
• Salt and black pepper.

How to make shrimp scampi pasta

1. Season the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil then add garlic powder, chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Stir to coat the shrimp. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil to cook the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes according to package directions.
2. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet or pan set over medium-high heat, sear the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until the prawns start to brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same pan, melt a few tablespoons butter. Add the garlic, parsley and chilli flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and fresh lemon juice and allow to come to a simmer, scraping off the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow to reduce for 5 minutes then add the shrimp back and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if necessary, adding more lemon, chilli or seasoning.
4. Serve: Drain the pasta and reserve a cup pasta water, then toss with the sauce and shrimp. Add the pasta water and toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?

Yes, of course. Frozen shrimp is perfectly fine for this shrimp scampi recipe. In fact, frozen shrimp is often much fresher as the shrimp are frozen on the boats or soon after catching. The best, juiciest shrimp aren’t peeled so buy those when you can.

What to serve with shrimp scampi?

Pasta is a classic way to serve the shrimp but it’s equally delicious with other carbohydrates like rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Shrimp recipes

1. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
2. Shrimp and grits with bacon and corn
3. Grilled garlic butter prawns