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Spicy Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti – quick, flavourful, perfectly spicy and irresistibly garlicky.
This is the perfect recipe if you need to whip up dinner in about 20 minutes but also serves to be an awesome (and impressive) recipe to serve your guests! I love making this pasta when I’m hosting because I prep everything in advance: chop the parsley, garlic, cheese, marinade the shrimp, so that when my guests arrive everything is ready to go and comes together effortlessly.
Looking for more 20 minute dinner recipes?
Down below I will share a few other 20 Minute Dinner Ideas I have right here on my blog that I think you will love:
- Big Mac Salad
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Unstuffed Creamy Rose Sausage Shells
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Beef & Broccoli
- Chicken & Rice Soup
- Minute Steak
- Creamy Lemon & Spinach Tortellini
Let’s stay connected!
Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! Also, if you do make this recipe (or any recipe of mine for that matter) be sure to tag #sammymontgoms so I can see your re-creations!
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make my Spicy Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti. For the exact detailed measurements and ingredients, scroll to the bottom of this page to review my recipe card.
- shrimp
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- chili powder
- salt
- pepper
- spaghetti
- butter
- garlic cloves
- parmigiano reggiano
- tomato paste
- lemon
- fresh parsley
- red pepper flakes
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
You sure can! Use what you love, although I do recommend a smaller pasta similar to spaghetti such as: fettuccini, linguini, or spaghettini.
How do I know if the shrimp is cooked through?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be opaque with a color ranging from pink to orange, depending on variety. You can also use a meat thermometer to be sure. The recommended internal cooking temperature for the shrimp is 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
Storing & reheating
Have leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-50 seconds or re-heat in a frying pan on low heat for 2-3 minutes. You can add a few splashes of olive oil to loosen up the sauce too!
Watch the recipe video
Watch the recipe video on Instagram
Did you like this recipe?
If you enjoyed my Spicy Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti recipe, consider leaving me a 5 star rating and review in my recipe card provided below, it means so very much to me!
Spicy Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp olive oil, to fry the shrimp
- 1/2 tsp olive oil, to the shrimp marinade
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Everything else:
- 1 pack spaghetti (400 grams), or pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup butter, salted
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup parmigiano reggiano, finely grated
- 1 heaping tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes, optional, you can also use 3/4 tbsp if you want it less spicy
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside until ready to use. Be sure to save at least 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.
- Prepare your shrimp.To a medium sized bowl add the shrimp along with all of the other shrimp ingredients and mix well.
- Let the shrimp marinade while you chop and prepare the garlic, parmigiano-reggiano, lemon zest, and parsley.Set aside until ready to use.
- To a large frying pan, add the oil to fry the shrimp and set to medium/high heat.Pan fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, just until bright pink and no longer translucent.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- To the same pan set to low/medium heat add the butter and 2 tbsp of olive oil.Once melted, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and let fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, and using a whisk continuously stir until well combined, about 1 minute.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, cooked pasta, knob of butter and parmigiano-reggiano.Sammy's tip: a knob of butter is about 1 tbsp of butter and helps to add a bit of creaminess to the pasta.
- Begin by gently mixing together on low heat adding in 1/4 cup of pasta water at a time until everything is well combined and the sauce begins to slightly thicken.You may need to use up to 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Serve right away!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made it, and loved it! This recipe is so great. It’s super easy and great for a weeknight dinner. It also tastes delicious the next day. Highly recommend.
I tried it! Delicious. Used chicken instead of shrimp because my family would call the police if I tried to feed them shrimp lol.
10/10+!!!
Made this and it was easy and delicious!
That is so awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing! xo
Banger 👌
Delicious and very easy to make.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! I am happy you enjoyed it! -Sammy
My husband and I love this recipe and have made it a couple of times. It was actually the first meal we made in our new home and it did not disappoint. Thanks for all the great recipes, Sammy, and the hilarious and helpful insta content. You’re the best!
Hi Danielle! Well thank you SO much for being here. So glad you guys enjoyed this one. Also, congrats on the new home! xo – Sammy