What kind of pasta is best for shrimp scampi?

Linguine is the classic choice for its ability to hold onto the sauce, but spaghetti , angel hair , or even fettuccine also work beautifully.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just thaw them under cold running water , then pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.

Is shrimp scampi spicy?

Not by default. It has just a touch of warmth from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit depending on your heat tolerance.

Can I make shrimp scampi gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the pasta for gluten-free pasta , rice noodles, or even spiralized zucchini, and double-check that your broth and wine are gluten-free.

Can I make shrimp scampi dairy-free?

You can! Use plant-based butter or olive oil in place of traditional butter. Skip the Parmesan garnish or substitute with a dairy-free version if desired.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very fast — about 1–2 minutes per side . Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re pink and opaque , then return them to the skillet just to warm before serving.

What kind of pasta is best for shrimp scampi?

Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair are classic choices because they hold the sauce well without overpowering the shrimp. Linguine offers a slightly chewy bite. Angel hair cooks quickly and soaks up every drop of the buttery sauce. Spaghetti is a versatile, middle-of-the-road choice. Short pastas like penne or rigatoni aren't traditionally used, but you can experiment if you prefer that texture in your easy shrimp scampi .

Can I cook the shrimp and pasta together?

It's best to cook shrimp and pasta separately . Shrimp cook in just 2–3 minutes, while pasta takes longer and requires different water-to-heat ratios. Cooking them together risks overcooked, rubbery shrimp — a common mistake in garlic butter shrimp pasta . For perfect timing, boil your pasta while prepping and sautéing your shrimp. Then toss everything together at the end for maximum flavor and texture.

What are common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp scampi?

Here are the top pitfalls to watch out for: Overcooking the shrimp: They become tough and dry very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from heat. Skipping the pasta water: That starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the noodles. Using too much butter too early: It can separate or make the sauce greasy. Add butter at the end if needed for creaminess. Adding cheese too soon: Parmesan can clump in a hot sauce. Always finish with it after combining the pasta.

What wine goes best with shrimp scampi with pasta?

Look for a dry white wine that balances the garlic and citrus — like: Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio Vermentino Chardonnay (unoaked) These wines also work beautifully in the sauce. Want to skip alcohol? Use low-sodium chicken broth as a substitute — it still gives that savory depth essential to any scampi sauce recipe .

Can I reheat shrimp scampi with pasta?

Yes — but gently! High heat will ruin the shrimp’s tender texture. For best results: Use a nonstick skillet with a splash of broth or water. Reheat pasta first, then shrimp. Or microwave in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between and adding olive oil or lemon juice to revive the flavor. For more reheating tips and storage tricks, check out the full section above under 🥡 Serving & Storage Tips .

10 Irresistible Secrets to the Best Shrimp Scampi with Pasta You’ll Ever Taste

Name: 10 Irresistible Secrets to the Best Shrimp Scampi with Pasta You’ll Ever Taste
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped

Description

This Shrimp Scampi with Pasta is bursting with garlic, lemon, and buttery flavor. A quick and elegant dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Save 1/2 cup of pasta water for sauce adjustment.
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet.
Add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent.
Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to skillet, season with salt and pepper.
Sear 1–2 minutes each side until just pink.
Deglaze & Build the Sauce
Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Let simmer 2–3 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Toss pasta into the sauce. Add pasta water if needed.
Garnish with parsley, optional Parmesan. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sauté & boil
Cuisine: Italian-American