Shrimp scampi pasta

Shrimp scampi pasta combines tender shrimp in a garlic butter sauce with white wine and spices, served over whole-wheat pasta. It's a simple yet impressive Italian-American dish that's perfect for any occasion.

10 Feb 2026
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

16 oz shrimps
4 garlic cloves
12 oz whole-wheat pasta
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
4 fl oz white wine
5 tbsp butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper (spice)
1/2 tsp black pepper

Shrimp scampi pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This Italian-American classic combines tender shrimp with a garlic butter sauce, enhanced by white wine and a hint of red pepper, all served over whole-wheat pasta. It's simple to prepare and sure to impress your loved ones with its rich and savory taste.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

4. Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the chopped parsley.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are well-coated in the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

6. Season to Taste:
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste if needed.

7. Serve:
- Divide the shrimp scampi pasta among plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Shrimp scampi pasta is a beautifully simple dish that delivers on both flavor and presentation. The combination of garlic, butter, and wine creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp and hearty whole-wheat pasta. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your delicious, homemade shrimp scampi pasta!

Shrimp scampi pasta FAQ:

How long do I cook the shrimp for in shrimp scampi pasta?

Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side in a skillet over medium heat until they turn pink and are cooked through.

What type of pasta can I use for shrimp scampi?

Whole-wheat pasta is used in this recipe, but you can substitute it with any pasta type, such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Pasta is al dente when it's cooked through but still firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions for cooking time and taste a piece before draining.

Can I make shrimp scampi pasta ahead of time?

Shrimp scampi pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components (sauce and shrimp) ahead and combine them with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

What should I do if my shrimp scampi pasta is too dry?

If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired sauciness.

Cooking Tips:

- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

- Don't overcook the shrimp—they only need a few minutes to turn pink and opaque.

- Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce can help it cling better to the pasta.

- For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the finished dish.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 370kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fiber 3.72g
Sugar 1.12g
Fat 30g

Shrimp scampi pasta