Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta {with Lemon Cream} - Belly Full (2024)

Published: October 16, 2014Updated: May 9, 2021Author: Amy

This 25 minute Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe is so easy and bursting with flavor. Fresh shrimp are coated in a rich, creamy lemon sauce. Paired with pasta, it’s hearty and filling, but still light!

Bathing in milk has been a popular beauty regimen among women for thousands of years. But what about bathing in a pool of butter, olive oil, white wine, garlic, and lemon juice? Now we’re talking! Those are some of the sauce ingredients in this Shrimp Scampi recipe. Added creme fraiche makes it creamy and even more luscious.

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Scampi and shrimp are actually two different types of crustaceans. The dish that we call shrimp scampi used to be a dish made with scampi in Italy. Americans adapted it using shrimp instead of scampi, but for some reason we kept both name.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need to make it:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements)

• Angel hair pasta: Really any type of pasta can be used, but we love the delicate nature of angel hair for this dish (plus it cooks up so fast!)
• Shrimp: We like to use medium sized shrimp for this recipe, but you can certainly swap it out for larger ones. Just adjust the cooking time, as needed.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil.
• Butter: Butter is critical in making an awesome sauce for shrimp scampi. Unsalted is our choice.
• Onion: Sweet onions are cooked down until soft and provide great flavor.
• Garlic: Provides the best aromatics. Fresh is a must.
• White wine: This cooks down in the sauce and provides amazing depth of flavor. Use a dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking on its own. (See note below if you don’t cook with alcohol.)
• Lemons: You’ll need fresh lemons, since lemon juice and lemon zest are needed.
• Creme fraiche: This is our little secret ingredient. It makes the sauce tangy, creamy, and luscious!
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. (The cayenne is optional, but it does provide a slight kick, which we think adds to the overall dish.)
• Fresh Parsley: This is used as a garnish for a pop of color, but also adds additional flavor.

Shrimp Scampi Sauce – Recipe Substitutions

• Substitution for wine: Wine in cooking is used to enhance the flavor and aroma of food. The alcohol content completely burns off in this shrimp scampi pasta recipe, leaving nothing but additional great flavor. But if you are 100% against using it, you can substitute it with chicken broth. Just know that the recipe won’t be optimal or as it was intended.
• Substitution for Crème fraîche: Crème fraîche does not contain any added thickeners like sour cream does, and in terms of flavor, crème fraîche has a richer and tangier flavor, so I do prefer it for this recipe. You can use sour cream, but because it has less fat and more protein than crème fraîche, simmering or boiling it will result in curdling, so you’ll need to stir it into the sauce once it’s off the heat.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is traditionally served over pasta noodles, but you can also serve the shrimp with its amazing sauce with just a side of garlic bread and a side salad.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

Got 25 minutes? Then put this shrimp scampi pasta recipe on your weekly menu. I could curl up with this dish! To make it, follow the steps below included in the printable recipe card. Make sure to refer back to the article for all the helpful tips.

Other Shrimp Recipes We Love!

• Orange Balsamic Shrimp Pasta
• Shrimp and Zucchini Tostadas
• Thai Shrimp and Pork Meatballs

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!