Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti

Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a buttery, garlicky sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti is:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Easily adjustable to suit your taste.
• Elegant Yet Simple: Perfect for both casual and fancy occasions.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and parsley creates a vibrant taste.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti

Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Keep a close eye on them!

Salt the Pasta Water Generously: This enhances the flavor of the spaghetti.

Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.

Keep the Sauce Silky: The reserved pasta water is key to creating a creamy, cohesive sauce.

Delicious Variations

Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, indulgent dish.

Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta.

Vegetable Additions: Incorporate spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini noodles for added texture and nutrition.

Protein Substitutes: Replace shrimp with scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a different twist.

Low-Carb Option: Serve over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti

• As a Main Dish: Pair with a crisp green salad and a side of crusty garlic bread.
• For Entertaining: Serve with chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Family Dinner: A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple Caesar salad.

Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze the dish without the pasta. Thaw overnight in the fridge and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti when ready to serve.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti without wine?

Absolutely! Substitute the wine with chicken broth or a splash of water and lemon juice for a similar depth of flavor.

How do I know when shrimp is cooked?

Shrimp is ready when it turns opaque and pink, with a slight curl to its shape.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best type of pasta for this dish?

While spaghetti is traditional, linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully too.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Use room-temperature butter and incorporate the pasta water gradually while tossing.

Yield: 4

Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti

Print

Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a buttery, garlicky sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, it's finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ½ tsp olive oil (divided: 1 tsp for frying, ½ tsp for marinade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp pepper

For the Pasta:

• 1 pack spaghetti (400g) or your favorite pasta
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup butter, salted
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
• 1 heaping tbsp tomato paste
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ¾ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining and set pasta aside.
2. In a bowl, mix shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while prepping other ingredients.
3. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, lower heat to medium and melt butter with 2 tbsp olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, frying until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
5. Stir in tomato paste using a whisk until smooth (about 1 minute).
   Add shrimp back to the pan along with lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, cooked pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and an extra knob of butter (about 1 tbsp).
6. Mix gently on low heat, gradually adding reserved pasta water (¼ cup at a time) until the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta.
7. Garnish with extra parsley or cheese if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 591Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 316mgSodium 1764mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 35g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti is a dish that never fails to impress. With its bright, garlicky flavor and tender shrimp, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or entertaining guests, this classic pasta dish is always a winner.

So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!