Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
Make restaurant-style shrimp scampi right in your own kitchen. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this simple pasta. Explore the recipe and see how a little garlic, butter, and lemon can go a long way.
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Most people turn to pasta recipes when they want something easy, cozy, and filling. You don’t need much to make a really good one—just some garlic, olive oil, butter, or cheese, and you’re good to go.
Of course, the ingredients depend on the recipe!
You can keep it light with herbs, skip the cheese, or load it up with veggies. You can also add any protein you like, such as seafood, chicken, sausage, tofu, or even leftovers from the fridge.
Yes, you read that right. Seafood and pasta are a perfect match. If you’re thinking about what to cook tonight, try this shrimp scampi with spaghetti!
Shrimp cooks fast, tastes amazing, and works with just about anything. This pasta is buttery and lemony, with a slightly earthy depth that sets it apart from classic scampi recipes.
Tired of the same meals every week? There’s a whole world of seafood dishes out there waiting for you. Give these Easy Shrimp Dinner Recipes a try this week.
How to Make Homemade Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6
Equipment
- Large pot to boil the spaghetti
- Large skillet to cook the onion, garlic, cumin, and shrimp
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz.) box spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ large red onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin, divided
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1¼ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large lemons, cut into wedges, divided
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions.
Step 2: While the spaghetti is cooking, add the butter to a large skillet set over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the red onion, garlic, and ground cumin. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Cook and stir occasionally, until the onion softens and begins to develop some color, about 7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook. Stir until the shrimp changes color and starts to curl slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and add the chopped parsley and a couple of squeezes of fresh lemon juice. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Step 6: When the spaghetti is ready, drain it in a colander. Rinse briefly with warm water to prevent sticking. Shake off excess moisture and transfer to a serving platter.
Step 7: Top the spaghetti with the cooked shrimp mixture and serve immediately with the remaining lemon wedges and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What to Serve with This Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Dinner
- Crusty garlic bread: You’ll want something to soak up the extra sauce. Just slice a loaf lengthwise, mix some butter with garlic, and spread it over the cut sides. Toast it in the oven, then serve it warm! 🍞
- Steamed vegetables: Light sides like steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus help balance the richness of the shrimp and pasta. If you want something more exciting, you can pair it with bacon-wrapped asparagus!
- Crisp salads: You can serve this pasta with a simple mixed green salad or a sweet and savory one with spinach and strawberries. A classic Caesar is also a great option, but go easy on the dressing to avoid overpowering the shrimp.
Tips on Making a Delicious Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
- Cook in batches if needed: If your skillet is small, don’t overcrowd the pan with shrimp. Give them room to cook evenly and get that nice color.
- Taste as you go: The ground cumin adds a subtle earthiness that makes this recipe stand out from traditional scampi. But don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning after everything is combined. Also, if you want to add a bit of heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Balance the lemon and butter: If the sauce tastes too sharp from the lemon juice, stir in a tiny bit more butter to smooth it out. You’re looking for a balance of richness and brightness, not one overpowering the other.
How to Store Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
This shrimp scampi with spaghetti is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re making it for a crowd and really want to prep ahead, you can cook the pasta and chop your ingredients in advance. For the best taste and texture, though, cook the shrimp just before serving.
- Fridge: Surprised to have leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Don’t worry, the shrimp and pasta will stay flavorful!
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. This keeps the pasta from drying out and helps the sauce come back to life.
Nice-to-Have Kitchen Tools for Shrimp Scampi Lovers
- Fresh lemon juice adds so much refreshing flavors to shrimp scampi. Why not get a handheld citrus juicer to make squeezing lemons easier even for your other zesty recipes? You’ll get every last drop without the seeds or sticky hands.
- Serving long pasta like spaghetti is easier (and way less messy) with a good pair of pasta tongs. They can help you plate more neatly. You’ll also find them super handy for tossing salads or serving other hot dishes.
- A small butter warmer is great if you want to melt a bit of butter for drizzling over your scampi right before serving. It keeps your butter perfectly warm without burning it. Handy for sauces, too, especially if you’re serving pasta often.
FAQs About Making the Best Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
What pasta is best with shrimp scampi?
Spaghetti is a classic choice for shrimp scampi, but you can definitely use other types of pasta available to you. Linguine and angel hair are also great options if you want something slightly thinner or more delicate.
What do you eat shrimp scampi with?
It pairs nicely with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or some steamed veggies on the side.
How to get scampi sauce to stick to pasta?
To help the flavors blend nicely, make sure your pasta is drained well but still warm when you plate it. The heat helps the sauce settle into the noodles as you serve.
Shrimp scampi looks impressive and tastes amazing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone special, this dish checks all the boxes.
You can even customize it. Add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and asparagus to make it even more colorful, balanced, and filling.
Looking for more easy meals? These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or date nights at home:
- Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Chicken and Risotto
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- New York Chopped Cheese Sandwich
- Black Bean Veggie Burgers
- Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Make restaurant-style shrimp scampi right in your own kitchen. This simple pasta dish comes together in just a few minutes. Explore the recipe and see how a little garlic, butter, and lemon can go a long way.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz.) box spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 large red onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/4 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large lemons, cut into wedges, divided
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, add the butter to a large skillet set over medium heat.
- Add the red onion, garlic, and ground cumin. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and begins to develop some color, about 7 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook. Stir until the shrimp changes color and starts to curl slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the chopped parsley and a couple of squeezes of fresh lemon juice. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired, and stir to combine. Set aside.
- When the spaghetti is ready, drain it in a colander. Rinse briefly with warm water to prevent sticking. Shake off excess moisture and transfer to a serving platter.
- Top the spaghetti with the cooked shrimp mixture and serve immediately with the remaining lemon wedges and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
