Homemade Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Sweet Basil

Adding basil to traditional Italian-American shrimp scampi gives it a boost of sweet flavor to balance the lemon and garlic in the dish.

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Shrimp scampi is a classic recipe that you’ll find in many restaurants, especially Italian-American restaurants. However, the origin of the dish has some discrepancies with the name. If you look it up, the word “scampi” actually refers to a specific type of small lobster. When the recipe came to America, it was swapped for shrimp since that’s more readily available. Both names were kept to make things easier.

Most people think of shrimp scampi as shrimp cooked with garlic in a white wine sauce over pasta. While that’s the typical meal, there are many variations. For instance, in some regions, chefs experiment with adding a touch of spice to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This not only enhances the flavor but also lends a subtle kick to the overall taste. Additionally, some culinary enthusiasts opt for a twist on the traditional scampi by substituting the pasta with grains like quinoa or farro, adding a nutritious element to the dish. Moreover, others prefer to enrich the sauce by incorporating fresh herbs such as basil or parsley, elevating the aromatic profile of the scampi. With so many possibilities, shrimp scampi remains a versatile and adaptable dish that will continue to delight seafood lovers for years to come.

Our AeroGarden was overrun with basil, so I decided to make an easy shrimp scampi recipe that included a decent amount of basil. Usually, I would go for cilantro with shrimp and seafood, but the basil worked well. It adds a bit of a sweet flavor to balance out the garlic and wine.

Why Add Basil to Shrimp Scampi

Traditional shrimp scampi is often made with garlic, butter, lemon, and parsley, but basil adds a fresh and aromatic twist. The slightly sweet and peppery flavor of basil balances the richness of the butter sauce and the acidity of the lemon juice. It not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds vibrant color, making your dish visually appealing and fragrant.

Best Shrimp to Use

When making shrimp scampi with basil, medium to large shrimp work best because they hold up well during quick cooking. Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, but keeping the tails on adds extra flavor and a nicer presentation. Fresh shrimp will give the best texture, but frozen shrimp can be just as good when thawed properly.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp scampi with basil can be enjoyed in more ways than one. Serve it over linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the garlicky sauce, or try it over zucchini noodles for a lighter option. It also pairs well with a side of crusty bread to dip into the buttery basil sauce. For a fresh touch, serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder. Spinach or arugula can also be swapped in for a different green that still adds freshness. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace white wine with chicken or vegetable broth without losing the depth of flavor. You can also use ghee or olive oil instead of butter for dietary preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the shrimp, which can make them rubbery and tough. Shrimp cook quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. Another common error is adding basil too early; fresh basil should be added at the end of cooking to preserve its bright flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can overpower the dish with bitterness.

Leftover Storage and Reheating

Store leftover shrimp scampi with basil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and change the texture.

Wine Pairings

The buttery, garlicky sauce pairs beautifully with crisp white wines. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the freshness of the basil and lemon, while Chardonnay brings out the richness of the butter. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or iced green tea for a refreshing balance.

Shrimp Scampi with Basil FAQ

Shrimp Scampi Step by Step

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked whole-wheat linguine
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup white cooking wine
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup basil, torn
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Preparation

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of the salt and the pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are partially opaque.

While the shrimp cooks, prepare the pasta according to the directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.

Add the white wine and garlic and continue to cook, stirring often, until the shrimp are mostly cooked through.

Add the pasta and 1/4 cup of the pasta water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Place the butter, lemon juice, and remaining 1 tsp of salt in the pasta. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Add more cooking water, 1/4 cup at a time, as needed.

Remove from the heat and stir in 1/3 cup of basil. Top with lemon zest, basil leaves, and pepper.

Shrimp Scampi Leftovers

Storage: Any leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. 

Reheating: For the best results, reheat shrimp scampi in a skillet, adding a bit of butter if needed.

Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Sweet Basil

Adding basil to traditional Italian-American shrimp scampi gives it a boost of sweet flavor to balance the lemon and garlic in the dish.

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Course:

Main Dish

Cuisine:

American

|

Italian

Keyword:

pasta

|

pasta noodles

|

seafood

|

shrimp

|

shrimp scampi

Dietary Needs:

Egg-Free

|

Nut-Free

Meat:

Seafood

Servings: 4

5 from 2 votes

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked whole-wheat linguine
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup white cooking wine
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup basil (torn)
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Recommended Equipment

• Saucepan – Medium
• Skillet

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Add the shrimp and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of the salt and the pepper
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are partially opaque
• While the shrimp cooks, prepare the pasta according to the directions until al dente
• Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water
• Add the white wine and garlic and continue to cook, stirring often, until the shrimp are mostly cooked through
• Add the pasta and 1/4 cup of the cooking water and bring to a simmer
• Place the butter, lemon juice, and remaining 1 tsp of salt in the pasta
• Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta
• Add more cooking water, 1/4 cup at a time, as needed
• Remove from the heat and stir in 1/3 cup of basil
• Top with lemon zest, basil leaves, and pepper

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Nutrition Facts

Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Sweet Basil

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 382 Calories from Fat 279

% Daily Value*

Fat 31g48%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 316mg105%

Sodium 1855mg77%

Potassium 128mg4%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 510IU10%

Vitamin C 10mg12%

Calcium 180mg18%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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