Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
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.
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.