Easy Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine

If you're a fan of seafood and pasta, then you should try this quick and easy Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine - Ready in 20 Minutes! This delicious shrimp scampi fettuccine pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner recipe, ready in mere minutes. With tender shrimp, a garlicky lemon-butter sauce, and al dente fettuccine, this easy pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

The shrimp cook quickly, allowing them to stay tender and juicy, locking in all their natural sweetness and delicate texture. Meanwhile, the pasta absorbs the rich, savory sauce, infused with garlic, lemon, and a hint of spice from the crushed red pepper flakes. Each bite is loaded with vibrant flavors, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience from start to finish!

Are you a fan of pasta? If so, you should definitely try this recipe: Ground Chicken Spaghetti .

Why You Will Love This Shrimp Scampi With Fettuccine Pasta

I am sure you will love exploring the variety of fettuccine recipes with shrimp available to try. Whether you prefer creamy sauces, garlicky butter flavors, or spicy tomato bases, there's a perfect recipe waiting for you.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The creamy, garlicky sauce made with chicken broth and lemon juice creates a deliciously rich flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the seasonings, add extra veggies like spinach or tomatoes, or swap the shrimp for chicken or another protein, making this dish adaptable to your preferences.
• Better Than Restaurants: With its restaurant-style flavor and presentation, this dish makes you feel like you're dining out, but it's made right in your own kitchen with simple, everyday ingredients.

Why is Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine So Popular?

Shrimp and fettuccine recipes are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. From classic fettuccine with shrimp in Alfredo sauce to lighter lemon-garlic variations, these dishes are sure to impress your family or guests with their rich, satisfying flavors.

Aside from the luscious, delectable taste, shrimp scampi fettuccine is easy to prepare in less than half an hour using just a few staple ingredients. It is so easy that even novice cooks can serve up a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece to impress friends and in-laws. 

The ideal  garlic butter shrimp pasta blends succulent shrimp, tart lemon, and creamy butter and cheese sauce to create a delightful taste sensation. 

Fettuccine is the most prevalent pasta used for this dish; however, capellini and angel hair also work with the delicious garlic butter sauce that is the heart and soul of shrimp scampi. Add garlic bread and a nice white wine, and it is elevated to a flavorsome treat while remaining pure comfort food. Since it contains seafood, you can add healthy, as well.

History of Shrimp Scampi and Fettuccine

Shrimp Scampi has been an Italian favorite since the 14^th century and made its first appearance in a British cookbook in 1747. It gained its current popularity in the mid-twentieth century, when restaurants began taking advantage of its cooking simplicity – no master chef needed. From there, it was a logical step for enthusiastic food lovers to prepare this classic one-pot shrimp pasta dish in their own home. 

Dry or Fresh for Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta 

The general perception is that Italian food lovers prefer fresh pasta. Food snobs would be mistaken here. While fresh pasta cooks much quicker – within one to three minutes – dry pasta consistently provides a better al dente texture with a superior “bite.”

Foodies who expect Italian cupboards to be filled with fresh pasta are in for a surprise. Many Italian cooks use dry pasta. Keep in mind not all dry pasta is created equal. Find the best dry pasta suited to your needs and use it to create a bit of heaven.

Ingredients

• Pasta: The long, flat shape of fettuccine is perfect for picking up the rich, garlicky sauce, giving the dish a hearty and satisfying feel.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the shrimp to a golden color.
• Shrimp: The main protein in this dish, providing a tender, sweet flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors of all ingredients.
• Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the dish.
• Garlic powder: Provides a mild garlic flavor to the shrimp.
• Butter: Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the olive oil.
• Garlic: Infuses a bold garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
• Parsley: Brings freshness to the dish.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a tangy contrast to the dish.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat to balance the dish's richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish, enhancing the sauce and pasta.

See recipe card for the detailed quantities.

How To Prepare Your Easy Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine Pasta Recipe

1. Prepare your fettuccine in a pot of salted water according to directions. Reserve some pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the shrimp and seasonings. The type of olive oil you use will make a difference, so use the best you can afford. Toss the shrimp and olive oil well for about 2 minutes – don’t overcook the shrimp. Set it aside. 
3. Add the garlic (you honestly can’t have too much garlic in your shrimp scampi fettuccini). 
4. When your garlic is sauteed in the creamy butter, pour in the broth, lemon juice, and additional seasoning. The wine adds an element of sweetness that counteracts the garlic to perfection. That is your wonderful garlic butter sauce. For a thicker sauce, consider adding a bit of cream.
5. Toss the sauce with the shrimp and fettuccine. Add some of the reserved pasta water if you need more liquid.
6. Add the parmesan and toss again.
7. Garnish your garlic butter shrimp scampi with parsley and lemon.

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet add oil followed by shrimp, salt, pepper and garlic powder.

2. Step 2: Cook for about 2 minutes.

3. Step 3: Add butter, once butter is melted add garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, broth and seasonings. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.

4. Step 4:Add the drained fettuccine pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss it with the sauce.

Once everything is well-coated, sprinkle the shrimp scampi with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to combine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Hint: For more saucy pasta, add ½ cup more chicken broth than the mentioned quantity.

What to Serve with Fettuccine Shrimp Scampi

Fettuccine Shrimp Scampi is already a complete and satisfying meal, but pairing it with a few delicious side dishes can elevate it to the next level. Here are some of my favorite sides to serve with Fettuccine Shrimp Scampi:

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, topped with a simple vinaigrette, balances the richness of the scampi. Speaking of salads, have you tried my Salmon Kale Quinoa Salad recipe?

Substitutions

Variations

Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick. 

Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half into the sauce to make it creamy, creating a rich, luxurious texture.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: For a more intense garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic and use a little more butter in place of the chicken broth. This will create a rich, buttery sauce.

Shrimp Scampi with Pesto: Add a couple of tablespoons of pesto sauce to the dish for a unique twist that adds a fresh, herby flavor.

Equipment

Large Pot: For boiling the fettuccine pasta.

Strainer or Colander: To drain the pasta once it’s cooked.

Large Skillet: For cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of liquids like broth and lemon juice and seasonings.

Storage

Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: If you’d like to freeze it, transfer the fettuccine and shrimp to a freezer-safe container. The pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the shrimp and pasta.

Reheating Your Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine Recipes

It’s nice to make enough shrimp scampi fettuccine for a second meal. The dish can be reheated without effort.

Oven Reheating: If you are using the oven, preheat it to 275 degrees. Transfer the shrimp to a baking dish and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Heat for 15 minutes. As always with seafood, be careful not to overcook.

Stovetop Reheating: If you are reheating on the stovetop, add the dish to a small pan or skillet and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes while gently stirring, being careful not to overcook the shrimp. You may want to add a few extra tablespoons of broth to keep the shrimp scampi moist. 

FAQ

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine:

Easy Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine

Abi Guna

Quick and easy Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine - Ready in 20 Minutes! This delicious shrimp scampi fettuccine pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner, ready in mere minutes. With tender shrimp, a garlicky lemon-butter sauce, and al dente fettuccine, this easy pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Strainer
• Large Skillet
• Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 16 ounce fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ lb. large fresh shrimp peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
• ½ cup pasta cooked water or as needed
• Lemon wedges to garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for about 2 minutes, turning the shrimp once they begin to turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set it aside.
• In the same skillet you used for the shrimp, add the butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, letting the broth reduce slightly.
• Add the fresh lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
• Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the flavorful mixture. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to combine. If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
• Once everything is well-coated, sprinkle the shrimp scampi with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to combine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
• Serve the shrimp scampi fettuccine immediately while hot, and enjoy this delicious, flavorful dish.

Notes

1. To keep your pasta perfect and prevent sticking, toss it lightly with a teaspoon of olive oil.
2. You can spice up the recipe by adding ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Keyword Main Dish, Pasta, Shrimp

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