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.
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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.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish the Sauce – Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley, and stir to combine.
- Combine – Turn off the heat, return pasta and asparagus to the pan, and toss to combine. Serve with grated parmesan.
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.
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:
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:
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Lasagna Recipe
- Mom’s Chicken Mushroom Alfredo
- Penne Alla Vodka
- Stuffed Shells Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 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
Filed Under
Q: What’s your favorite go-to (quick) weeknight meal?
This recipe was so delicious and easy! I am becoming a huge fan Natasha!
I’m so glad to hear that, Gayle! Thank you for the love and support!
We loved this quick flavorful dinner.would definitely recommend this recipe.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Carol!
Another delicious Natasha recipe! My daughter requested shrimp scampi and I looked here first! Never disappoints!! Thanks so much!
Hi Martha! You’re welcome. Thank you for trusting my recipes.
This is 1 of my all time favorite recipes! 3 of my work friends are coming over for dinner in late May. I’m fixing this with Bacon Caesar Salad, Puff Rolls & Strawberries with Cream Pound Cake for dessert!
I’m so glad you love it, Carol! That sounds amazing.
We are having this tonight! Had it two weeks ago and really enjoyed it.👍
Hi Eileen! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. 🙂
Hi Natasha, Made this tonight..a quick meal and we all loved it. The only thing I did differently was I used broccoli instead of asparagus, because that is what I had on hand.
Thank you for a great quick meal.
I had forgot to submit my rating. That is what happens when I rush. Oops. 5 Stars!!!!
Thank you!
It’s my pleasure, broccoli is a great substitution. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Made this tonight. The only change is we had it over white rice. It was absolutely delish!!
That’s great, Shelly! Glad you loved it.
Just delicious. I used angel hair and a lot more garlic but it’s a fantastic recipe. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Craig!
I made this with one of those pre-seasoned (frozen) shrimp “Madagascar Pepper” flavor, and added basil. Very good results. I think if I am going to mess with raw shrimp I will go for scampi, but this version was fast and tasty.
Thanks for your feedback and review, Susan. Good to know that you enjoyed it!
Hey Nat,
Ever since my son came back from living on the street he is love with your recipe. A teenager wasn’t great since he grow up. Understand that Mother knows better what comes to cooking. Ever since he lived at home there are loved comfort food. He is saying Thank you, Mom. Lisa
That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!
I made this meal for the family. It was hit. It was lighter version of pasta night. It will be repeated for sure.
Hi Michael! I’m so glad it was a hit. Thank you for sharing.
Merci pour le belle recette moi qui adore les crevettes et langoustines et que dirent des asperges pure delice tres apprecier par la famille
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I have been making this for years when shrimp are cooked I add some dry sherry and instead of parsley I add cilantro which I love and the pasta I use is spaghettini .
Simple and easy
Sounds yummy, Margaret! 🙂
WOW! This is my husband’s favorite to order at a restaurant and he loved this homemade one better!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Shari!
This is my kind of meal!! It’s a delicious way to use shrimp!! So much flavor!
So glad you loved this recipe!
I just Made this and oh my gosh it was the best, I have ever made. I didn’t have asparagus. I used Broccoli.
Thank you
I’m so glad you loved it! 🙂
My family loved this recipe so much! I think it has become our new favorite dinner! Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful to hear, Olivia! Glad your family loved it.
Love this recipe! When we have leftovers chicken, beef, fish or just vegetables. I add it to the pasta for a new spin on the recipe. Also good a meatless dish for lent or a vegetarian.
Love your recipes!
Thank you, Barbara! I’m glad you love my recipes.
My husband and I fixed this for dinner tonight & it turned out delicious. We have so much fun cooking together & love to fix your recipes. We will definitely fix this one again and again. Thank you for sharing your recipes with so many people.
You’re very welcome. It makes us happy to know that you both enjoyed this recipe!
I really enjoyed this recipe but my kids didn’t like it as much. It was slightly bland so when I make it the next time, I will add some wine and perhaps a little more pepper and parmesan.