If you’re looking for a dinner that feels a little fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, add this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta to your menu. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and asparagus are tossed in a lemon garlic butter sauce. The whole meal comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes.
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Shrimp Scampi with Pasta Video
Watch the Shrimp Scampi Pasta video tutorial to see just how easy it is. It’s such a wholesome dinner, you’ll make this shrimp scampi pasta on repeat.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
This recipe is as simple as combining classic Shrimp Scampi with pasta and veggies to turn it into a one-pan dinner. Just like our Creamy Shrimp Pasta, this is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s easy, takes less than 30 minutes, and tastes like fine dining.
Tossing shrimp scampi with pasta is our favorite way to serve scampi. The sauce is so good, I even have a Chicken Scampi Recipe if you want to switch out the protein.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Ingredients
- Pasta – We used spaghetti, but you can use just about any pasta here; linguini, penne, angel hair, etc. Homemade Pasta makes it extra special.
- Asparagus – For the freshest asparagus, select a vibrant green color with ends that are tight. See my tips below on the quickest and easiest way to trim the ends of your asparagus.
- Shrimp – Look for raw shrimp (preferably wild caught) that are large 21-30 count. A different size will work, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tail on or off will work.
- Butter and olive oil – when combined, the butter is less likely to burn since olive oil has a higher smoke point.
- Garlic – for the best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves and not pre-minced.
- Lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley – add vibrant and fresh flavor to the sauce. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.
- Parmesan cheese – add this to taste. You can either add it to the pan or pass it around the table for serving. Freshly grated will taste great. P.S. This cheese grater makes dinner feel like a night out.
Can I Substitute Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking raw shrimp gives you the best flavor, as it takes on the garlic flavors from the pan, and the bits of the shrimp in the pan add flavor to the sauce. If you have cooked shrimp on hand, be sure to fully thaw and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Add them to the pan just long enough to heat through, or they will become rubbery.
The Easiest Way to Trim Asparagus
Asparagus ends are fibrous and must be removed before cooking. The fastest way is by snapping off the ends, and wherever they snap is where the fibrous part ends. You can also use a vegetable peeler to remove fibrous ends.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
- Cook Pasta – Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al-dente according to the package instructions.
- Cook Asparagus – In a separate large, deep pan over medium/high heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add asparagus, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Transfer asparagus to a plate.
- Sauté Shrimp – In the same hot pan, add the remaining butter and oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and saute for 1 minute. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and saute until shrimp are pink and opaque (1 min per side). Do not overcook.
- Finish the Sauce – Turn off the heat anad add lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley, and stir to combine. Return pasta and asparagus to the pan, and toss to combine. Serve with grated parmesan.
Natasha’s Pro Tip for the Best Flavor
Be sure to turn off the heat before adding the lemon zest, juice, and parsley. For the most vibrant flavor, you don’t want to continue cooking once those ingredients are in. Think of them as a garnish.
Serve with
Since Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a meal in itself, you don’t need much to make this a special dinner. We pair it with these simple sides:
P.S. If you love this Shrimp Scampi with Pasta as much as I do, you won’t want to miss my top 3 shrimp recipes: Shrimp Tacos (with the best sauce), Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Shrimp Fried Rice.
Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb spaghetti, homemade pasta, or your pasta of choice
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2″ pieces
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or added to taste
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 or 21-25 count)
- 1 1/4 tsp fine sea salt , divided, plus more for cooking pasta
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1 large or 2 small lemons
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- freshly grated parmesan, to serve
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 Tbsp salt and 1 Tbsp olive oil, and cook pasta according to package instructions until Al'dente, or desired doneness (meanwhile, continue with recipe). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm.
- Place a large, deep pan over medium/high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Add asparagus, season lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan.
- In the same hot skillet, add 2 Tbsp oil and 2 Tbsp butter. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and sautee stirring frequently for 1 minute. Add shrimp in a single layer and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Saute until shrimp are pink and not translucent (about 1 minute per side). Be careful not to overcook or the shrimp will be tough.
- Turn off the heat and add lemon zest, juice, and parsley, and stir to combine. Add pasta and asparagus, and toss everything to combine. If the sauce seems dry, add some of the hot pasta water. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipes
If you enjoyed this Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe, you are sure to find more favorites in this list. From one pasta lover to another, these top-rated pasta recipes are a must-try:
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Lasagna Recipe
- Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Penne Alla Vodka
- Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Gnocchi Recipe
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
Easiest and most delicious dish I have ever made from an online recipe! This was truly gourmet level taste without all the work!
Aww, that’s so great to hear! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Our family can always count on Natasha’s recipes being delish!
Super yummy, I roasted a pint of grape tomatoes while cooking to add and chopped some fresh dill to toss in at the end. Great for spring!
Aww, thanks so much! That sounds yummy.
I made this recipe for my husband and I, using fresh tagliatelle in place of the spaghetti.
He loved it and I adore your recipe! I shared some with my 91 year old neighbor and she loved it as well. She has asked me to make it again, so it is for dinner tonight!!
This is an easy recipe and is a keeper!
I’m glad he enjoyed it!
Simply and spectacular!
Can you substitute green beans for asparagus as we never get that where I live. I thought I’d add some chopped red bell pepper for color too.
Hi Sharon! Sure, you could do that.
Absolutely loved this shrimp scampi recipe! It was very easy to follow, quick to make, and turned out so delicious. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the shrimp came out tender and flavorful. This is one of those recipes that feels restaurant quality but takes minimal effort at home.
I’m so happy you loved it, Elena!
I rarely comment on recipes. I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS! Absolutely delicious, do not need to change anything. Also I’ve purchased your cookbook for my daughter and one of my girlfriends. I was so excited to see that you have a cookbook. Although surprised this recipe was not in it?
Thank you for leaving a comment, Lisa. I have some old recipes added in my cookbook but they are mostly new ones that are not on my website.
OMG Tried this recipe yesterday omitting the asparagus. Let’s just say this recipe is the ultimate best!!! It is NOT over powering with the lemon, just that perfect light taste. I was shocked my husband loved it and he TOLD me to keep on listening to make again! Natasha, you dear heart, are an amazing cook and person!!!! Thank you so very much for all you do for us. Your recipes are beyond good. Lots of hugs and thanks. Claudia
That’s wonderful, Claudia! So happy it was a hit!
Delicious! About to make it for the 3rd time in the past month 🤭
I’ve made this many times. It’s easy and so delicious.
Thank you for sharing, Ruth! I’m glad you loved the recipe.
Soooooo good! After I finished eating, I just let out a huge satisfying sigh! It is so light and fresh tasting, yet… well, satisfying!!
Can I asked what makes the sodium so high?
Hello there! The sodium in the recipe came from different sources, it doesn’t come from one ingredient only.
Hi there! I made this recipe last night for dinner and I must say that it was absolutely outstanding!!! If i could give its 10 stars i most certainly would. My husband couldn’t get enough of it. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe with us! Debbie
Thank you so much, Debbie! I’m so glad you loved the recipe.
To make it a bit healthier, do you think I could do one or two less tablespoons of butter and use more olive oil instead?
Hi Lena, yes, that should work.
Fantastic outcome, on point, quick and delicious! The whole family loved it! Thank you for sharing this recipe the way you did! Perfection 🙂
Made this for a weeknight dinner. It was great tasting, had a slight heat, and the asparagus was just the right snap. Will be making this again.
Hi Eva! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Deeeeelish! I could tell your recipe was perfect but, I subbed a couple things because I didn’t have them: lemon zest/herbs de Provence, lemon juice/chardonnay, added 1Tb fresh tarragon along with parsley. Many compliments! Thank you.
This was a great easy Sunday dinner. I did forget to add the parsley, got too excited and forgot to add! It had a delicious light lemony with some heat with the red pepper flakes flavor. We loved it!