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 and tender pasta tossed in a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce. The whole meal comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
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 cook pasta according to package instructions until Al'dente (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
This is one of our go-to dinners. We get a big bag of shrimp at Costco so we always have it on hand. My family loves this dish,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Is the shrimp from costco raw & cleaned? tail off?
Hi Beverly, yes we purchased raw shrimp.
Can you substitute all olive oil? Can’t do dairy.
Hi Elaine, that will still work to do all olive oil. I hope you love the scampi pasta!
Just made this recipe for the second time. It was delicious!!
Used Spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta! Perfect for those on low carb diets!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that Gail!!
This recipe is fantastic, everyone in my family enjoyed it and it was very easy to make.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
I made this for dinner tonight. It is superb. Taste is light and flavorful. It explodes with excitement on the palate. It was quick and easy to make, though, I prepared the shrimp hours earlier. I will make this dish again.
Thank you Demetrice! I’m so inspired reading your review. 🙂
That looks good. I’m 15 and this will be the first meal I’m going to make without the help of my mom. Can’t wait to try it. What drink do you think is a good suggestion to drink with this meal? And by the way my name is Gabi!
Hi Gabi!! That is so great! I hope you love this recipe! We love our homemade juice with dinner. We have a few awesome drinks on our blog like these here.
can you suggest a wine and or bread or rolls…this will be my first dinner in my new home !
Hi Marie, we don’t drink so I probably wouldn’t be helpful with a wine suggestion, but as for bread, a crusty French bread would be nice on the side.
Delicious. Will be making again!
I’m so happy to hear that, Cindy!
I made this for me and my husband and we both liked it. Just wondering what other veggies you can add, I was thinking red bell pepper and zucchini. What else sounds good? Tia
HI Dawn! Those sounds like great options! Green beans or peas may work also!
Never add olive oil to the water when you are making something other than scampi with pasta. It will not allow the sauce or gravy to stick to the pasta.
I never thought of adding the Asparagus.
Thank you Rose! We appreciate your feedback!
I followed the recipe exactly. I was soooooo delicious and so easy to make! My husband loved it too. Will definitely add it to my recipe kardex.
Hi Angelina! That’s so great! Thank you for sharing this wonderful review!
What other vegetable would be good here? I detest asparagus.
Hi Andrew, several of our readers have reported trying this with Broccoli and green beans and loving it. 🙂
Broccoli florets?
This was amazing and so simple to make. My guys loved it. Next time I’ll get a picture before they eat it all. 😊
I’m so happy you enjoyed that Nancy!
This is one of my favorite things to make. Easy and satisfying. Simply love it.
Hi Pamela! I’m so happy you found a favorite! Thank you for sharing that with me.
This may be WAY after the fact, but because I’m trying to cut carbs, I did this recipe with leftover quinoa. I had about 3-4 cups of leftover quinoa and threw that in there instead of the spaghetti. Was STILL delicious.
I’m so happy it worked out for you Ben! Thank you for sharing that with us!
Me encantan tus recetas, podrás añadir algunas de Salmón, por favor
Thank you so much Gloria!
do you have a cook book with all of your yummy recipes?
Hi Carolyn! Not yet but stay tuned! 🙂
FABULOUS recipe!! Delicious & light!! A real hit in our home! 🙂
I’m so happy you all enjoyed that! Sounds like you found a new family favorite Terri!
I especially love that this has no heavy, creamy sauce! Can’t wait to make this! Thanks
You’re so welcome Connie!
That looks so good! I have everything to make that but the parm, of course. I bet that would be awesome with some mushrooms sauteed with the asparagus and a bit of bacon bits tossed in at the end. Bacon and shrimp? Yes please!
That sounds so good Ginny! Great ideas! 🙂
I made this and it was absolutely great, and so easy to make….. It popped up on my facebook today which is funny, because I am already making this for din din tonight.
Thank you for the awesome review, Nancy! How funny is that! I love it!