Quick Garlic Shrimp Scampi: 25-Minute Italian Pasta Dinner

Garlic Shrimp Scampi: An Easy Italian Dinner

If you’re craving a buttery, garlicky seafood delight, this shrimp scampi recipe will become your new weeknight go-to. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines tender shrimp, angel hair pasta, and fragrant garlic butter—all ready in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi

• ✓ Quick & easy—perfect for busy weeknights
• ✓ Loaded with garlic butter flavor
• ✓ Light enough for summer but hearty enough for dinner parties
• ✓ Family-friendly & restaurant-quality at home

Key Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Scampi

• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Directions to Make Shrimp Scampi

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in remaining butter and lemon juice, tossing to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
5. Return pasta to the skillet. Add chopped parsley, toss everything together, and cook for another minute until heated through.
6. Divide among plates, garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges, and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips & Variations

• Add white wine: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of dry white wine before adding lemon juice for a deeper flavor.
• Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes for a smoky kick or stir in a dash of paprika.
• Gluten-free option: Swap angel hair pasta for gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles.
• Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a luxuriously smooth sauce.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 660 kcal |
Carbs: 48 g |
Protein: 45 g |
Fat: 30 g

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Serves: 4

Ready for the ultimate garlic butter pasta experience? Dive into this irresistible shrimp scampi tonight and let the flavors transport you straight to coastal Italy.

Recipe adapted with inspiration from the original at AllRecipes.com.