Express Shrimp Scampi Pasta (Printable Version)

Quick shrimp and pasta with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Italian-American flavor in just 15 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta & Protein

01 - 6 ounces linguine or spaghetti, uncooked
02 - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Sauce & Seasoning

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
04 - Add drained pasta, reserved cooking water, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
05 - Divide between plates and garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick weeknight meal ready in fifteen minutes
  • Relies on pantry staples and frozen cooked shrimp for easy prep
  • Pescatarian friendly and lighter than restaurant versions
  • Only one skillet plus a saucepan needed for cleanup
02 -
  • Naturally high in protein
  • You can make it gluten-free with chickpea or rice pasta
03 -
  • Use the largest skillet you have so pasta gets a thorough tossing
  • Do not walk away from the garlic as it cooks it burns fast
  • Letting shrimp just heat through keeps them plump and flavorful
  • Never skip the reserved pasta water that is what makes the sauce glossy and clingy
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