Garlic Shrimp Scampi Bowls

Garlic Shrimp Scampi Bowls bring restaurant flavor to your kitchen with just a handful of simple ingredients and fast cook time. Imagine twirling buttery pasta with juicy garlicky shrimp and soaking up that luscious sauce with homemade garlic bread—a true weeknight comfort meal that will make everyone come running to the table.

I whipped this up on a whim for a last-minute dinner party and got rave reviews. Now my family begs for it every Friday night.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Choose fresh or frozen with bright shells for the juiciest bite
• Linguine or spaghetti: Look for bronze-cut pasta for a sauce that clings
• Unsalted butter: Quality European-style butter gives silky richness
• Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for that peppery depth
• Fresh garlic: Look for plump heads and firm cloves for best flavor
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but great for a gentle heat
• Salt and pepper: Always season to taste and use kosher salt for pasta water
• Fresh parsley: Chopped flat-leaf parsley adds freshness and color
• Lemon juice: Squeeze from a ripe lemon for that bright finish
• Crusty bread: Go for a rustic loaf with a chewy crumb and crisp crust
• Garlic butter: Use good butter plus finely minced garlic for the best garlic bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Shrimp:

Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper for maximum flavor absorption

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous handful of kosher salt Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta Cook until just al dente then quickly reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining The pasta water is crucial for a silky sauce

Cook the Aromatics:

In a wide skillet heat olive oil and half of your butter over medium heat Once shimmering add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes Sauté for about one minute until the kitchen smells fragrant but before the garlic browns

Sear the Shrimp:

Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet Cook undisturbed for two to three minutes until pink and just turning opaque Flip and cook another two to three minutes until cooked through Juiciness depends on not overcooking

Make the Sauce and Toss Everything:

Add drained pasta right into the skillet Splash in the reserved pasta water add the rest of the butter squeeze over the lemon juice and sprinkle in the parsley Toss and stir everything until the noodles are glossy and evenly coated Add more salt and pepper if needed

Make Garlic Bread:

While you cook the shrimp preheat your oven to 375 Spread a generous layer of garlic butter on each bread slice Arrange on a baking sheet and bake ten to twelve minutes until the edges are golden and crisp Hot garlic bread completes the meal

Plate and Serve:

Spoon the pasta and shrimp into wide bowls making sure each serving gets plenty of sauce Add golden garlic bread on the side and dust with a bit of parsley for that fresh look Then serve immediately while it is all piping hot

Pin it

The garlic in this dish always makes me smile and reminds me of my grandmother teaching me to smash cloves with the flat side of her knife Sunday afternoons in her kitchen smelled just like this buttery garlicky heaven

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat add a splash of water and a dot of butter to restore the sauce and gently warm in a skillet. Garlic bread tastes best fresh but you can crisp it back up in the oven for a few minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of shrimp try chunks of firm white fish or even chicken strips. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully if you need. No fresh parsley No worry chopped basil or even a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end gives a fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your shrimp scampi bowl with a green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted asparagus. For a little extra Italian flair pour a glass of chilled white wine and add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top.

Cultural Context

Shrimp scampi originated as an Italian-American twist from Italian scampi dishes which often use langoustine or prawns. Garlic butter pasta is one of those cross-cultural classics every generation falls in love with in their own way.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter flavor beautifully. Fresh or frozen can be used—just thaw frozen shrimp first.

→ Can I substitute the pasta?

Yes, linguine or spaghetti works best, but angel hair or fettuccine are also delicious options. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.

→ How do I keep shrimp tender and flavorful?

Avoid overcooking—shrimp should turn just pink and opaque. Sauté over medium heat and remove promptly once done to maintain juiciness.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables?

Absolutely. Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini when sautéing for taste and a boost of color and nutrition.

→ What makes the garlic bread extra special?

Spreading a generous layer of garlic butter, enriched with a dash of garlic powder and parsley, gives the bread its crisp texture and full flavor.