Quick 15-Minute Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
A quick and easy shrimp scampi pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a buttery sauce tossed with linguine or spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size)
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons) plus zest
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once butter melts, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir frequently and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
- Pour in white wine or chicken broth. Stir to scrape up browned bits. Let simmer for about 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with extra parsley or freshly grated Parmesan.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to avoid steaming and rubbery texture. Watch garlic carefully to prevent burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Start pasta and shrimp prep simultaneously for timing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: shrimp scampi, shrimp pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, garlic shrimp, lemon pasta, weeknight dinner