June 20, 2026 · 10 min

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallop Scampi with Spaghetti

Dinner10 min1612 cal / serving

This homemade shrimp and scallop scampi brings the flavors of an Italian restaurant classic straight to your kitchen. Tender shrimp and scallops are quickly sautéed until perfectly cooked, then tossed with al dente spaghetti in a rich garlic herb butter sauce. The sauce is elevated with freshly grated Parmesan, bright lemon juice and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a gentle kick of heat.

Finished with fresh parsley and a generous amount of cheese, this dish is both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve with a crisp white wine and enjoy!


Recipe details

Dinner10 min1612 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1612 kcalProtein63.6 gFat128.4 gCarbs48.9 gSugar13.3 gFiber3.1 gSodium2065 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: containsShellfish: containsPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Parmesan Cheese0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guide
Scallops10 ounce ScallopsView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Shrimp10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guide
Garlic2 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Chili Flakes1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guide
Parsley0.25 ounce ParsleyView ingredient guide
Spaghetti6 ounce SpaghettiView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide
Butter3 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guide
Olive Oil1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and scallops in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and garlic herb butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and chili flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in chicken stock concentrate and juice of half the lemon. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
  6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat, adding more water if needed to create a light sauce.
  7. Return shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Add grated Parmesan and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges from the remaining lemon half.

Recipe Tips

Pat the seafood very dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.

Reserve extra pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Taste and adjust lemon juice and chili flakes to your preference.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for garlic herb butter?

Mix 2 tablespoons softened butter with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.

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