Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that feels elegant yet takes barely any time to make. With garlic, lemon, olive oil, and perfectly sautéed shrimp, it’s bright, rich, and full of flavor without ever feeling too much.

For Lykkers looking to master a seafood pasta that’s both quick and impressive, this guide walks you through each step with ease and flexibility—so you can enjoy restaurant-style satisfaction at home.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi?

This version of shrimp scampi is built around balance: buttery yet fresh, light yet flavorful. With just a few pantry staples and quality shrimp, you’ll have a dish that comes together in minutes and leaves you glowing with pride.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 2)

Spaghetti or linguine – 180g

Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 250g

Olive oil – 20g

Garlic – 3 cloves, thinly sliced or minced

Red pepper flakes – a pinch (optional)

Lemon juice – 1 tbsp (plus more for serving)

Lemon zest – from 1/2 lemon

Parsley – a handful, finely chopped

Salt – 2g

Black pepper – to taste

Pasta water – about 50g (reserved before draining)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

You’ll want to start by bringing a large bowl of salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until al dente—usually about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the brand. Right before draining, scoop out a bit of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear rather than steam. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once warm, you’ll add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir gently and watch it carefully—you want the garlic golden and fragrant, not burnt. This will take about 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Now you’ll add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and just opaque. Try not to move them too much—they’ll get better color if they stay put for a minute before flipping.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Pasta Water

Once the shrimp are cooked, lower the heat and add the lemon juice and zest. You can also stir in a splash of reserved pasta water—this helps emulsify the sauce and coat the noodles beautifully.

Step 6: Toss with Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the pan. Use tongs or a fork to toss everything together. Let the noodles soak up the sauce for a minute or two, then stir in the parsley. Taste it—maybe you want a touch more lemon or a twist of pepper.

Step 7: Serve Right Away

Plate it up while warm. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon zest if you like. You’ve got a dish that’s as elegant as it is easy.

Make It Yours

Why Shrimp Scampi Feels Special?

It’s the contrast: tender shrimp, silky pasta, tangy lemon, and the whisper of garlic. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for a special meal.

Creative Add-Ons

Want to add a veggie? Toss in a handful of spinach at the end, or sauté halved cherry tomatoes alongside the shrimp. Craving crunch? Toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled on top add a great texture contrast.

Diet-Friendly Tweaks

Gluten-free pasta works beautifully here, as does zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash if you’re going grain-free. Want a dairy-free version? Skip the butter entirely—it’s not needed with the olive oil doing the heavy lifting.

Storage and Leftovers

Shrimp scampi is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a day. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving—it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or a piece of toasted bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. You don’t need much else—it’s a full-flavor dish all on its own.

Shrimp scampi is a celebration of simplicity: just a few ingredients coming together in perfect balance. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or more, it’s a dish that brings brightness, richness, and satisfaction to the table in under 30 minutes. So Lykkers, grab your shrimp and zest that lemon—there’s a perfect pasta waiting for you. Want to try a veggie scampi next? Let’s sauté our way there.