Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta is a quick and easy dinner made with juicy shrimp, tender spaghetti, fresh asparagus, and a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce. This flavorful pasta recipe is perfect for weeknights, family meals, or date nights at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a restaurant-quality seafood pasta dish that pairs beautifully with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a side of garlic bread.

Ingredients

• ½ lb spaghetti
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 ½ Tbsp)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 or 21–25 count)
• 1 ¼ tsp fine sea salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large or 2 small lemons)
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 Tbsp salt and 1 Tbsp olive oil, then cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm.
2. Cook the asparagus: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add asparagus, season with ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp pepper, and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter and 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper, and sauté for about 1 minute per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
4. Finish the dish: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley to the shrimp mixture. Turn off the heat and return the pasta and asparagus to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated.
5. Serve: Transfer to plates and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta is fresh, flavorful, and quick to make. With tender shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a lemon-garlic butter sauce, it’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Tips

• Use large shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
• Cook shrimp just until pink—they become rubbery if overcooked.
• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter before adding shrimp.
• Grate Parmesan fresh for maximum flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace asparagus with broccoli, zucchini, or green beans.
• Use linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti.
• Add cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.
• Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken strips if preferred.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Do I need to devein the shrimp?
Yes, deveining improves both flavor and texture. Many stores sell shrimp already cleaned.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Serving

Serve this shrimp scampi pasta immediately while warm. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine.

Suggestions

• Garnish with extra lemon wedges for brightness.
• Serve as part of a seafood dinner spread with mussels, calamari, or clams.
• Make it a lighter meal by serving smaller portions with a side of roasted vegetables.