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Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 131 reviews

This Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent jumbo shrimp sautéed in garlic, lemon, and white wine, then tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe balances bright citrus notes with a touch of heat from red chili flakes and herbaceous parsley, creating a deliciously light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Sauce

  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb wild caught jumbo shrimp, tails and shells removed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon plus 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp minced parsley
  • 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter

Pasta

  • 1/2 lb angel hair pasta

Instructions

  1. Heat the pan and sauté shrimp: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, being careful not to overcook them. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the garlic, add lemon juice, lemon zest, white wine, lemon pepper, red chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, minced parsley, and cold unsalted butter. Gently swirl the pan to combine and allow the butter to melt into the sauce. Turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
  4. Cook the pasta: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the angel hair pasta and carefully swirl it around until fully submerged. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the pasta.
  5. Combine pasta and shrimp sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp scampi sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and shrimp.
  6. Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi pasta immediately while hot. Garnish with extra minced parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored separately: transfer the pasta and sauce to separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • It is normal if the sauce thickens or dries out after refrigeration; reheat gently with a splash of water or white wine to loosen.
  • Be careful not to overcook shrimp as they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
  • Use a good quality dry white wine for the best flavor in the sauce.

Keywords: shrimp scampi, easy shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, angel hair pasta recipe, quick seafood pasta