Imagine swirling a fork through a plate of spaghetti coated in garlicky, buttery goodness, punctuated by tender shrimp and crisp asparagus. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up. What’s the best part? It’s creamy without any heavy cream! Grating a bit of lemon zest and squeezing fresh lemon juice adds a pop of brightness that brings the dish to life.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably have tucked away in your pantry, you can serve up a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug. Plus, the vibrant green asparagus adds a seasonal touch that makes it feel fresh and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this dish is bound to be a winner. Trust me, you’ll love how quickly it comes together, leaving you plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy every delicious bite.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal that checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-easy to prepare. The combination of shrimp and asparagus provides a lovely contrast of flavors and textures. Imagine biting into succulent shrimp, then getting a crunch of tender asparagus, all while your taste buds dance in the rich, garlicky butter sauce.
Here’s what makes this dish a must-try:
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings!
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients at home.
- Pantry-Friendly: Can adapt to what you have on hand, including various types of pasta or seasonal veggies.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Save leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day!
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-free pasta or low-carb alternatives can be used.
There’s no need to fuss when you can serve up this easy, delicious pasta dish in no time.
Ingredient Overview for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
- Spaghetti – The classic pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully, giving each bite a perfect balance of flavors. Swap with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Asparagus – Adds a pop of color, a crisp texture, and is packed with nutrients.
- Unsalted Butter – The star of the show that creates a rich and luxurious sauce.
- Olive Oil – Adds depth and helps in sautéing without burning the butter.
- Garlic – Essential for that aromatic base; you can’t have garlic butter without a good amount of garlic!
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of heat; adjust to your taste.
- Shrimp – The protein that makes this dish feel filling and indulgent. Choose farm-raised or wild-caught for the best flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Just the right seasonings to elevate all the flavors in the dish.
- Lemon Zest & Juice – Brighten up the dish and bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of green freshness to garnish and enhance the flavor profile.
- Parmesan – Best served freshly grated over the top for a salty, nutty finish.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Phase 1 – Prep
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and set it on high heat to boil for the spaghetti. Add a generous pinch of salt which will flavor the pasta.
- Prepare Vegetables: Rinse and trim the asparagus, cutting it into 2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic so it’s ready to go.
- Peel Shrimp: If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help them sear beautifully when cooked.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Cook Pasta: Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes, turning until pink and opaque.
- Add Asparagus: Toss in the asparagus and cook until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and mix well, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Finish with lemon juice, zest, and the rest of the butter.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Garnish and Plate: Remove from heat and toss through the fresh parsley.
- Serve Hot: Dish the pasta onto plates and top with freshly grated parmesan.
- Enjoy: Share with friends or keep all the deliciousness for yourself!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Quality Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp elevate the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook very fast—about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Adjust Heat to Taste: If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 2 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. When shrimp are overcooked, they become rubbery instead of tender. To avoid this, pay close attention to the cooking time, just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Another mistake is not seasoning the pasta water. Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the pasta itself, making the entire dish more compelling. A good rule is to add enough salt so the water tastes like the sea.
Lastly, forgetting to reserve pasta water before draining can lead to a dry dish. The reserved starchy water can be used to loosen up the sauce, so remember to keep that cup handy!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for the same delicious experience.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil and skip the parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes.
- Herbal: Mix in fresh basil or dill for added flavor.
- Different Cooking Methods: This dish can be adapted for the stovetop, Instant Pot, or air fryer for different flavor profiles.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Best Pairings
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.
- Green Salad: A light side salad with citrus dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
Toppings & Garnishes
- Lemon Wedges: Squeeze fresh lemon on top for an extra zing.
- Extra Parmesan: A little more cheese always makes life better!
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Just cook everything fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this dish, as the shrimp can become rubbery upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, about 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Reserve more pasta water while cooking—it’ll help create a luscious sauce.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just ensure your skillet is large enough for the extra ingredients.
How to fix a too-thick sauce?
Add a little reserved pasta water or stock to loosen it up while stirring over low heat.
Try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta for a meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Your taste buds will be thrilled with the garlicky, buttery, lemony goodness. Let us know what you think by rating or commenting, and check out our other delicious pasta recipes for more inspiration!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a large pot with water and set it on high heat to boil for the spaghetti. Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Rinse and trim the asparagus, cutting it into 2-inch pieces.
- Mince the garlic.
- Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the shrimp to the skillet; season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes, turning until pink and opaque.
- Add asparagus to the skillet and cook until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Finish with lemon juice, zest, and remaining butter.
- Remove from heat and toss through the fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan.
- Enjoy and share!