Description

This Creamy Shrimp Scampi is a luscious blend of tender shrimp and al dente pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with hints of lemon and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe balances bold seasonings with a velvety sauce to bring out the best flavors of seafood and pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood & Pasta

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or similar)

Seasonings

1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Bayou City Lemon Pepper
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Pinch of salt
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Fats & Liquids

2 tbsp grapeseed oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock)
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp lemon juice

Produce & Dairy

4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 shallot (minced)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tsp lemon zest
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Old Bay, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste.
Sauté the Shrimp: Heat grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, minced shallot, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and translucent but not browned. Pour in the white wine or chicken stock, bringing it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook while stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and combined.
Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the creamy shrimp scampi to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add color and freshness.
Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease and better texture.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
White wine adds a depth of flavor, but chicken stock works well if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
Save some of the pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Grapeseed oil is preferred for high-heat cooking, but olive oil can be substituted if needed.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and improves flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy shrimp scampi, shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, lemon shrimp pasta, easy shrimp scampi, creamy seafood pasta, quick dinner recipe