Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a classic and elegant dish that combines tender shrimp, spaghetti, and a buttery garlic sauce, all enhanced with fresh herbs and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Why This Shrimp Scampi Pasta Is the Best
- Buttery Garlic Sauce: The sauce is rich and flavorful, made with butter, garlic, and a hint of lemon, perfectly coating the pasta and shrimp.
- Tender Shrimp: The shrimp are cooked until tender and juicy, adding a succulent seafood element to the dish.
- Fresh Vegetables: The addition of asparagus and green onions provides color, texture, and a fresh taste that complements the other ingredients.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: The spaghetti is cooked al dente, ensuring a satisfying bite and perfect absorption of the sauce.
- Beautiful Presentation: The combination of shrimp, pasta, asparagus, and green onions creates a visually appealing and appetizing meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a light and flavorful meal, Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of buttery sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti: The base of the dish, perfectly soaking up the buttery, garlicky sauce.
- Large Shrimp: Adds protein with a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Garlic: A cornerstone of the sauce, adding a warm and robust flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Lends a subtle heat that elevates the dish.
- Butter & Olive Oil: Create a rich, glossy base for the scampi sauce, balancing richness with lightness.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Provide a bright, tangy contrast to the buttery sauce.
- Asparagus: Adds a tender-crisp texture and earthy flavor to the pasta.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of freshness.
- Parmesan: Adds a savory, nutty finish.
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp, high-quality pasta, and fresh vegetables.
- Cook Shrimp Evenly: Ensure the shrimp are cooked evenly to achieve a tender and juicy texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the garlic, butter, and herbs – they add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Toss Well: Toss the pasta, shrimp, and sauce together well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the buttery garlic sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Shrimp Scampi Pasta with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Shrimp Scampi Pasta—each bite filled with tender shrimp, al dente spaghetti, and fresh asparagus and green onions, all coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this elegant dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
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Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta
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Shrimp Cakes
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Shrimp Spaghetti
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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
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Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Shrimp Scampi Pasta combines tender spaghetti with juicy shrimp and vibrant asparagus in a buttery, garlicky sauce infused with a hint of lemon and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is a perfect harmony of fresh, zesty, and savory flavors for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (16-20 or 21-25 count)
- 1 lb asparagus trimmed and cut into 2" pieces
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter divided
- 3 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or added to taste
- 1 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt divided, plus more for cooking pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- freshly grated parmesan to serve
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of water over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Stir in a tablespoon of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, aiming for that perfect al dente texture or your preferred level of doneness. While the pasta cooks, move on to the next steps of the recipe.
- Once done, drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and cover to keep it warm.
- Set a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and melt together a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter.
- Add the asparagus, season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Transfer the asparagus to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if desired), cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about a minute per side, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
- Stir in fresh lemon zest, juice, and chopped parsley to brighten the dish. Turn off the heat and return the pasta and asparagus to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well combined, and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Shrimp Scampi Pasta