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Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This classic garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish, featuring plump shrimp sautéed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, brightened with lemon, and served over al dente linguine. It’s a perfect elegant meal that comes together quickly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet/Pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 12 oz linguine (or spaghetti/fettuccine)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 fresh lemon juiced and zested
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Cook linguine in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente, remembering to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  • While pasta cooks, melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently cook minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  • Increase heat to medium-high, add seasoned shrimp in a single layer, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  • Pour chicken broth into the hot skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and let it simmer for about 1 minute to reduce slightly.
  • Return shrimp to the pan, add the drained pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley; toss everything until well coated, adding more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Remember to reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency to your preference. For the best flavor and texture, serve this dish immediately after tossing, and be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough quickly.