This Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is fresh, comforting and full of bold flavor. It combines juicy shrimp, buttery garlic sauce and bright lemon with tender pasta. This dish feels fancy but is very easy to make at home. You do not need special skills or rare ingredients. Everything comes together in one pan quickly.
If you are searching for a reliable Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe, this guide will help you step by step. You will also learn how to make Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta with perfect taste every time.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this pasta is balance. Garlic gives deep flavor without overpowering the shrimp. Lemon adds freshness and cuts through the butter richness. Shrimp cooks fast, so timing matters a lot.
Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so gentle heat is important. Using pasta water helps the sauce stick better to noodles. Fresh parsley adds color and light taste. When everything blends together, the result is smooth, rich and refreshing at the same time.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Equipment List
You only need basic kitchen tools to prepare this dish easily and smoothly.
- Large pot for pasta
- Colander
- Large skillet or pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients You Need for Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
These Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta are simple and easy to find.
- Spaghetti or linguine pasta
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Red chili flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve one cup pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat the Pan
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pan. Stir gently for thirty seconds until fragrant.
5. Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook one to two minutes per side until pink.
6. Add Lemon Flavor
Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. Stir gently to coat shrimp evenly.
7. Add Pasta Water
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly.
8. Combine Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until well coated with sauce.
9. Season the Dish
Add chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
10. Finish with Herbs
Turn off heat. Add chopped parsley and toss once more before serving.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp, or they will turn rubbery.
- Add white wine for deeper flavor if desired.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Swap shrimp with scallops or chicken if preferred.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Garlic lemon shrimp scampi pasta tastes best when served hot and fresh. You can serve it with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad pairs well with this dish. For a special dinner, serve it with sparkling water or lemonade. This pasta works great for family meals, date nights, or quick weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Shrimp is best eaten fresh, so avoid long storage. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as shrimp can become tough.
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Spaghetti or linguine pasta
- Raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic cloves minced
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Red chili flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve one cup pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat the Pan
- Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the Garlic
- Add minced garlic to the pan. Stir gently for thirty seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook one to two minutes per side until pink.
Add Lemon Flavor
- Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. Stir gently to coat shrimp evenly.
Add Pasta Water
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly.
Combine Pasta
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until well coated with sauce.
Season the Dish
- Add chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Finish with Herbs
- Turn off heat. Add chopped parsley and toss once more before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp, or they will turn rubbery.
- Add white wine for deeper flavor if desired.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Swap shrimp with scallops or chicken if preferred.
FAQs about Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well if fully thawed and dried properly before cooking to avoid extra water.
What pasta works best for shrimp scampi?
Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works best because it holds the sauce evenly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with extra olive oil for a dairy-free version without losing flavor.
How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and curls slightly into a loose C shape.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It can be meal prepped for one day, but fresh cooking gives the best texture.
Conclusion
This Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe is simple, flavorful and perfect for any occasion. With easy steps and fresh ingredients, you now know exactly how to make Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta at home.
The balance of garlic, lemon, butter and shrimp makes this dish comforting and elegant. Try it once, and it may become your favorite pasta recipe for busy nights or special meals.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.