Shrimp Scampi Pasta is so fresh and satisfying in a lemon garlic and herb sauce that packs so much amazing flavor. Adding asparagus makes it a one-pan healthy dinner.

We took classic Shrimp Scampi and turned it into this shrimp scampi pasta recipe. 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.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta with asparagus in a pan garnished with lemon wedges

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Garlic Buter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp scampi is essentially large shrimp or prawns that are sauteed with garlic and butter and topped with crumbs. Rather than topping it with bread crumbs, we turned it into a meal by tossing it with pasta and asparagus and topping it with parmesan cheese.

Tossing shrimp scampi with pasta is our favorite way to serve scampi. We even have a Chicken Scampi Recipe if you want to change out the protein. The lemon butter scampi sauce is so fresh, vibrant, and flavorful. It makes a terrific pasta sauce!

Shrimp Scampi 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.

Ingredients for Scampi Pasta

  • Pasta – We used spaghetti, but you can use just about any pasta here; linguini, penne, angel hair, you name it!
  • 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. Slightly larger or smaller will still work but you will have to increase or decrease cooking time accordingly as shrimp can easily overcook.
  • Butter and olive oil – when combined, the butter is less likely to burn since olive oil has a higher smoke point.
  • Garlic – adds a ton of flavor to the garlic butter sauce so do not skimp on this.
  • Lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley – add vibrant and fresh flavor to the sauce.
  • 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.

Ingredients for shrimp scampi with pasta and asparagus

Pro Tip: Save prep time by purchasing shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Tail on or tail off is based on preference. It’s easier to eat without the tails but the presentation is nicer with the tails on.

Can I Substitute Cooked Shrimp?

Cooking raw shrimp will give you the best flavor as it takes on the garlic flavors from the pan and will add flavor to the sauce, which is why we highly recommend raw shrimp.

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. If you re-cook the shrimp, they will end up overcooked and rubbery.

P.S. If you love shrimp, you won’t want to miss our top 3 shrimp recipes which are: Shrimp Tacos (with the best sauce), Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Shrimp Fried Rice.

How 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 trim asparagus by snapping off fibrous ends

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Pasta

With the exception of the pasta, the shrimp and scampi sauce come together in one pan. The beauty of it is, the pasta and shrimp can cook simultaneously and are done at about the same time. This recipe comes together fast so have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you fire up the stove.

Pro Tip: Be sure to zest the lemon and set the zest aside before juicing it. Once you have cut your lemon in half it because extremely difficult to zest.

  1. Cook Pasta – Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al-dente according to the package instructions.
  2. 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.
  3. Sautee 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.
  4. Finish the Sauce – Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley, and stir to combine. 
  5. Combine – Turn off the heat, return pasta and asparagus to the pan, and toss to combine. Serve with grated parmesan.
how to make Shrimp scampi pasta step by step collage

Pro Tip: 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.

Shrimp scampi pasta garnished with cheese and parsley and lemon wedges

This shrimp scampi pasta with asparagus is so juicy and flavorful. Every noodle is coated with an amazing fresh flavor. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Serve with

Since this is a meal in itself, you don’t need much to make this a special dinner. We pair it with these simple sides:

Shrimp scampi tossed with pasta garnished with parmesan cheese

More 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:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

4.93 from 341 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
shrimp scampi pasta served with asparagus and lemon wedges
Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Asparagus has a lemon garlic and herb sauce that packs so much fresh and amazing flavor. A 30 minute shrimp scampi pasta recipe!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 as a main course
  • 1/2 lb spaghetti
  • 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). Drain pasta, return to 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.
  • Add lemon zest, juice, and parsley, and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and return the pasta and asparagus to the pan. Toss everything to combine and serve with freshly grated parmesan.

Nutrition Per Serving

493kcal Calories51g Carbs26g Protein21g Fat7g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat10g Monounsaturated Fat0.4g Trans Fat165mg Cholesterol1381mg Sodium548mg Potassium5g Fiber4g Sugar1785IU Vitamin A22mg Vitamin C120mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
493
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Trans Fat
 
0.4
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Cholesterol
 
165
mg
55
%
Sodium
 
1381
mg
60
%
Potassium
 
548
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
51
g
17
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
26
g
52
%
Vitamin A
 
1785
IU
36
%
Vitamin C
 
22
mg
27
%
Calcium
 
120
mg
12
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta shrimp scampi, shrimp scampi pasta
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 493

Q: What’s your favorite go-to (quick) weeknight meal? 

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • judith a judge
    March 5, 2024

    i have made this a few times and love it i also love the chicken scampi actually i love all your recipes i am 84 and still like to learn new things

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 5, 2024

      Hi Judith! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes.

      Reply

  • Anna
    March 4, 2024

    Made this recipe with just a few tweaks due to having a picky 15-month-old in our midst:
    -reduced garlic and lemon juice by 1/2
    -omitted red pepper
    -added frozen peas to asparagus

    So simple yet so delicious. Thank you, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 4, 2024

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Anne! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Kathy S
    February 13, 2024

    I made this for dinner tonight and we loved it! I have made several of your recipes and they all turned out delicious. Thank you!❤️

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 13, 2024

      Thank you for sharing, Kathy! I’m so glad it was enjoyed!

      Reply

  • Carole
    December 30, 2023

    Can this be made ahead e.g. have the shrimp and asparagus cooked and ready. I’d like to enjoy my guests and not be standing at the stove with pans on the stove and everyone watching me. I’ve made it before and it is so delicious.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 30, 2023

      Hi Carole. You can reheat this on low heat but it’s really best fresh. I worry the shrimp gets rubbery when reheated and the asparagus can get too mushy if over cooked.
      You can do all the prep work in advance and have the noodles boiled and ready to make everything quicker. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Jana Pirie
    November 28, 2023

    Hi, Do you think veggie spaghetti would work or should I go buy some regular spaghetti please? Thank you Natasha!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 28, 2023

      Hi Jana! I think it could. Sorry, I have not tested it myself but let us know how it is if you experiment.

      Reply

  • Claudia
    November 27, 2023

    Made this tonight and it was light and delicious! I will definitely make again. We used Barilla gluten free spaghetti noodles and it came out great. Thank you Natasha! You are my go to for any recipe I need.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 27, 2023

      You’re very welcome, Claudia! Thanks so much for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Kim
    September 28, 2023

    Can this recipe be doubled?
    I have made this for 4 guests and it is fabulous! I am having 8 guests and I want to spoil them with this recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 29, 2023

      Hi Kim! Yes, you can double it!

      Reply

  • Leanne Johnson
    August 29, 2023

    Love love love the Shrimp scampi and pasta. I think it’s perfect but my roommate who I cook for doesn’t like lemon. Whenever I cook fish I use lime juice so next time that’s what I’ll do. The asparagus is absolutely perfect cooked this way. TY

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 29, 2023

      Hi Leanne! You’re very welcome. I’m glad the recipe was enjoyed! The lime addition sounds great too.

      Reply

  • Lydia
    August 14, 2023

    Hey Nat…Well this Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe caught my eye today! Looks so delicious! I don’t have asparagus but I do have fresh from the garden broccoli so that is very fine with me. Just thought I would tell you I made Cabbage Roll Soup yesterday. So good ! Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 14, 2023

      Great to hear that, Lydia. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try from us!

      Reply

  • John
    July 15, 2023

    I did not see or read how much minced garlic? Is it one garlic that is minced or two?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 15, 2023

      Hi John, The print friendly recipe is at the bottom of each post where you can see all the ingredients and amounts. We used 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp).

      Reply

  • Irma
    June 19, 2023

    I’ve made lots of your recipes, but this has to be one of my most favorites. After trying several shrimp scampi recipes, this is the best, hands down.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 19, 2023

      That’s wonderful to hear, Irma!

      Reply

  • Lynnea Williams
    June 14, 2023

    This was delicious and easy! I would give 5 Stars!!! My man LOVED it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 14, 2023

      Thanks so much for this awesome review! We’re happy that you loved our recipe a lot.

      Reply

  • Celeste
    June 9, 2023

    This was soooo good. easy to make on a busy weeknight. Thank you so much! you could even substitute broccoli if you wanted to. but i love asparagus!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 9, 2023

      Thank you for sharing, Celeste! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Vanessa
    June 7, 2023

    Can you use frozen asparagus or frozen broccoli? I don’t have any fresh on hand.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 7, 2023

      Hi Vanessa! We prefer to use fresh because frozen asparagus gets mushy. But I’m sure it could work with either. I hope you love the recipe.

      Reply

  • Cheri
    May 19, 2023

    Wonderful recipe! A family favorite especially when fresh garden asparagus is available.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 19, 2023

      For sure! Thank you, I’m glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Mary Dejardine
    May 18, 2023

    I made this for dinner tonight. Was an “A” from both my daughter and granddaughter. Have everything prepped…and easy to make! Thank you for a great recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 19, 2023

      Hi Mary! That’s wonderful. Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.