Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti: A Luxurious Weeknight Favorite
If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts elegant, easy, and bursting with flavor, then Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti deserves a front-row spot on your dinner table. This classic Italian-American recipe blends juicy shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and tender spaghetti for a quick meal that tastes like it came from a fine-dining restaurant. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy date nights, or when you simply want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
This post dives into everything you need to recreate this stunning dish at home—from ingredients and substitutions to storage, equipment, and helpful tips. Whether you’re a seafood lover, pasta fanatic, or just looking for a recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti hits all the right notes:
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights
- Bold flavor: A rich garlic butter sauce with just the right touch of heat and acid
- Impressive presentation: It looks fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make
- Flexible ingredients: Works with spaghetti, angel hair, or gluten-free alternatives
Ideal for seafood lovers, pasta enthusiasts, and anyone looking to spice up their usual dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but recommended for a kick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional but adds depth)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or substitute with angel hair or linguine)
- Salted water, for boiling
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional but handy)
- Colander
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry using paper towels and season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and white wine. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4️⃣ Combine Everything
Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Add the shrimp back into the skillet and stir gently to combine. If the mixture feels dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
5️⃣ Serve & Garnish
Plate the pasta and top it with chopped parsley, additional red pepper flakes (if desired), and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast! Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Deglaze with wine: White wine adds acidity and depth—try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Use fresh garlic: Skip the jarred stuff for this recipe; fresh minced garlic offers a more robust flavor.
- Control the heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference, or omit entirely for a milder version.
Easy Swaps & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles.
- Add vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini go great in this dish.
- Use chicken: Not a fan of shrimp? Replace with thinly sliced chicken breast.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the butter with olive oil and skip the Parmesan.
- Low-carb version: Serve the garlic butter shrimp over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
What to Serve With Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or steamed asparagus. For drinks, a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the buttery garlic and seafood flavors beautifully. Sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea also pairs well if you prefer non-alcoholic options.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storage: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Note: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still make a delicious next-day lunch.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead (like peeling shrimp or chopping parsley), but for the best texture, cook everything fresh right before serving.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?
Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate texture of shrimp and the butter sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth, seafood stock, or even pasta water can work in place of white wine—though wine adds a nice complexity.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. You can reduce, omit, or increase to suit your heat tolerance.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. With fresh ingredients, a bold garlic-lemon-wine sauce, and juicy shrimp, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your household.
