When you’re looking for a meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests, One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the perfect choice! This dish features tender shrimp and silky pasta, all cooked together in one pan with a garlicky, lemony, buttery sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. And the best part? There’s no draining of the pasta required! This recipe is simple, flavorful, and ideal for anyone who loves seafood and pasta. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore how to prepare this easy, yet fancy meal.
What is One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta?
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a delectable pasta dish made with shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a buttery sauce, all cooked in one pot. The dish is bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and succulent shrimp. The key to this recipe is the cooking method – the pasta is cooked directly in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. This simple yet elegant recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Origin of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi, or Scampi alla Romana, has its roots in Italy. The term “scampi” refers to a type of crustacean, also known as langoustine, but in American versions of the dish, it commonly refers to shrimp. Italian immigrants brought this dish to the United States, where it evolved into the buttery, garlicky version we enjoy today. Over time, shrimp scampi has become a popular pasta dish, often made with linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta. The one-pot variation makes this dish even more accessible and easier to prepare for busy cooks!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
- 8 oz (225 g) linguine or spaghetti
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or seafood stock)
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Finishing Touches:
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the shrimp, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside on a plate — they will finish cooking later.
Step 2: Build the Base
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!). This will form the flavorful base of your dish.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta in One Pot
Add the chicken broth, water, and uncooked pasta to the pan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. The pasta will absorb the delicious broth and garlic flavors.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Shrimp
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a creamy, zesty sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of additional broth or water to achieve a silky consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
For the final touches, stir in fresh parsley and, if desired, an extra pat of butter for additional richness. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to your preference. Serve the pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Tips & Variations
While this dish is already a winner in its classic form, here are a few variations and tips to customize the recipe:
- Use angel hair pasta for a lighter texture, or fettuccine for a heartier option.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and a burst of freshness.
- For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for an indulgent, velvety sauce.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your broth is suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Try adding a touch of white wine along with the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To complement your One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta, serve it with the following:
- A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- A light green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- A chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to elevate the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shrimp scampi pasta
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking, and pat them dry to avoid excess water.
Q2: Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the pasta you choose.
Q3: How do I make this dish spicier?
If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic sauté for an extra kick.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different flavor.
Conclusion: One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta is the perfect balance of bright, buttery, and garlicky flavors. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With just one pot, minimal cleanup, and a mouthwatering combination of shrimp, pasta, and lemon, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this simple yet elegant pasta will always be a hit. Try it today, and enjoy the perfect bite of shrimp and pasta in every forkful!
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta: A Bright, Buttery, and Flavorful Delight!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a delectable pasta dish made with shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a buttery sauce, all cooked in one pot. The dish is bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and succulent shrimp. The key to this recipe is the cooking method – the pasta is cooked directly in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. This simple yet elegant recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
8 oz (225 g) linguine or spaghetti
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or seafood stock)
1 cup water
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Finishing Touches:
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink.
Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate (they’ll finish cooking later).
Build the Base
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter.
Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds, until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn).
Cook the Pasta in One Pot
Add broth, water, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Simmer 8–10 minutes (or until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed).
Add Lemon and Shrimp
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat.
Add a splash more broth or water if needed for a silky sauce.
Finish and Serve
Stir in fresh parsley and an extra pat of butter if you like it richer.
Taste and adjust seasoning (more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired).
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, finish the pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serve immediately for the best taste and enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
Keywords: Shrimp scampi pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, one-pot shrimp pasta, lemon garlic pasta, easy shrimp scampi
