Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Name: Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 stick butter (4 tbsp); 4 tbsp minced garlic; 1 lb spaghetti; 1 cup white wine; 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; black pepper, to taste; salt, to taste; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tbsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; fresh parmesan cheese, for garnish

Shrimp scampi pasta is a 20-minute Italian-American classic combining tender shrimp with spaghetti in a bright garlic butter and white wine sauce finished with lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Shrimp scampi 🏷️Shrimp pasta 🏷️Pasta 🏷️Spaghetti Garlic butter sauce

🏷️

🏷️White wine sauce

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

4 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 stick butter (4 tbsp)
4 tbsp minced garlic
1 lb spaghetti
1 cup white wine
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
black pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped parsley
fresh parmesan cheese, for garnishoptional

Instructions

1
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti for about 10 minutes or according to package directions.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat oil and butter in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
3
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4
Pour in the white wine, bring to a simmer, and let it reduce by about half.
5
Add the raw shrimp to the pan and season with salt and pepper.
6
Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add the red pepper flakes. Stir and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
7
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
8
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp sauce.
9
Toss everything together with tongs until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
10
Serve immediately, garnishing with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat shrimp dry before searing to achieve a golden crust and prevent steaming in the pan.
Don't overcook shrimp—remove it from the pan when it just turns opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
Add pasta water to the sauce at the end to emulsify the butter and create a silky coating on the spaghetti.
Toast the minced garlic in oil and butter for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Substitutions

vegetable oil → olive oil (use extra-virgin for a richer flavor)
white wine → chicken broth or dry vermouth (if omitting alcohol entirely)
fresh lemon juice → fresh lime juice (adds different citrus brightness)
red pepper flakes → freshly ground black pepper (for less heat)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover sauce and shrimp separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with fresh pasta or over low heat to avoid toughening the shrimp.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

What type of white wine should I use?

Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino. Avoid sweet or oaked wines as they can overpower the delicate shrimp.

Can I make shrimp scampi pasta ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead, then store separately. Toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.