Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

A plate of garlic butter shrimp with pasta

Today’s mission: making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta with my 10-year-old nephew. There are plenty of safe, simple steps he can help with – from peeling shrimp to mixing ingredients. Let’s hope we can create something delicious without turning the kitchen upside down!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is a delightful and classic dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce, often served over pasta. This dish is known for its bright flavors, primarily derived from fresh lemon juice and garlic, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Shrimp scampi with pasta with bread and a cup of wine
Shrimp scampi recipe with pasta

This classic recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a variety of flavors. It provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it suitable for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner option. This is how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta:

A plate of garlic butter shrimp with pasta

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta (no wine)

A dish that combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a luxurious sauce of fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and rich butter, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
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Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz linguine or angel hair pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss them in the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Garnished with fresh chopped parsley and serve the shrimp scampi over the cooked pasta.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword garlic butter shrimp, homemade pasta, pasta recipe, seafood recipe
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Variations

1. Creamy Shrimp Scampi Creamy variation incorporates heavy cream or mascarpone to create a richer sauce profile.

2. Spicy Interpretation: The spicy version introduces layered heat elements through:

  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh cracked black pepper
  • Optional calabrian chilies
  • Spicy garlic oil finish

3. Light Version: Lighter adaptation maintains flavor integrity while reducing calories:

  • Replace butter with:
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Vegetable stock reduction
    • Lemon juice enhancement
  • Modify pasta portion:
    • Increase shrimp-to-pasta ratio
    • Add more fresh herbs
    • Incorporate vegetables

4. Shrimp Scampi with Other Pairings: While pasta is a classic pairing, there are several other delicious options you can consider:

  • Rice
  • Crusty bread like a loaf of crusty French bread or Italian bread
  • Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and a satisfying texture.
  • Polenta
  • Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
  • Salad: like a simple green salad or a Mediterranean-style salad.

5. Dietary Modifications

  • Gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta or vegetable noodles
  • Low-carb: use zucchini noodles
  • Keto: use shirataki noodles
  • Dairy-free: replace butter with olive oil, ghee, or plant-based butter

Pairing suggestions

1. Salad Pairings: Salad selection balances meal composition through thoughtful contrast and complement.

  • Classic Caesar with anchovy-based dressing
  • Arugula with lemon vinaigrette
  • Mixed greens with Balsamic reduction
  • Fennel and Orange Salad
  • Elevated Caprese
  • Roasted Bell Pepper Salad

2. Drink Pairings

  • Wine: Wine pairing enhances the dish’s Mediterranean character through thoughtful selection.
Wine TypeCharacteristicsBest Served With
Pinot GrigioCrisp, light-bodied, citrus notesTraditional preparation
VermentinoMineral-driven, coastal characterSpicy variation
Sauvignon BlancHerbaceous, bright acidityLight version
ProseccoEffervescent, subtle sweetnessCreamy variation
  • Cocktails
    • Lemonade Spritz: A bright and refreshing blend of lemonade and sparkling water, topped with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
    • Gin and Tonic: The herbal notes in gin make this a great match for seafood, adding a refreshing touch.
  • Non-Alcoholic Options
    • Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea with a lemon slice adds a refreshing contrast to the meal.
    • Sparkling Water: A crisp, simple choice that cleanses the palate without overpowering the dish.

3. Side Dish Pairings

Vegetable Accompaniments:

  1. Roasted Asparagus
    • Light olive oil drizzle
    • Fresh lemon zest
    • Sea salt finish
  2. Sautéed Broccolini
    • Garlic-infused oil
    • Red pepper flakes
    • Toasted pine nuts
  3. Mediterranean Vegetables
    • Preparation Method influences flavor integration:
      • Grilled for smokiness
      • Roasted for sweetness
      • Sautéed for texture

Bread Selection Guide:

Bread TypeBest Paired WithServing Suggestion
Garlic BreadTraditional scampiWarm, sliced
FocacciaCreamy variationRoom temperature, torn
Crusty ItalianLight versionGrilled, rubbed with garlic

Tips and tricks

To store leftover shrimp scampi with pasta: let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. If you can, store the pasta separately from the shrimp and sauce to keep it from getting mushy.

Shrimp scampi will last a few days in the fridge. To store it longer, freezing is also an option.

To reheat, warm it up in a pan on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

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