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Flavorful Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with White Wine Sauce

shrimp scampi pasta - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp scampi pasta with a buttery garlic white wine sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties. This dish balances rich butteriness with bright lemon and wine acidity for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 12 ounces (340g) linguine or spaghetti
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon plus zest
  • Pinch or two of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil and 2 tablespoons (30g) butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Cook gently for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque but still tender. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  5. Pour ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine into the same pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Lower heat and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) butter until melted and smooth. Add juice of one lemon and a little zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat in sauce. Add drained pasta and toss everything together, making sure pasta is evenly coated. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, adding more pasta water if needed for silkiness.
  8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Keep shrimp separate while making the sauce to avoid overcooking. Do not rush the wine reduction to develop flavor. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps achieve a silky sauce. Optional Parmesan cheese can be grated on top before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, shrimp pasta, white wine sauce, garlic butter pasta, easy dinner, seafood pasta, quick shrimp recipe