When you want a dish that feels luxurious but still comes together easily, this Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil Pesto is the answer. It’s an elevated take on the Italian-American classic: buttery, garlic-basted shrimp tossed with tender pasta, brightened by a vibrant homemade pesto. The result is something that looks impressive, tastes restaurant-worthy, but stays simple enough for a weeknight dinner or a casual date night at home.
Traditional shrimp scampi leans heavy on garlic butter and lemon. This version keeps that soul intact but layers in a fresh, herbaceous pesto made with basil, Parmesan, walnuts, and a pop of lemon zest. The pesto adds brightness without overpowering the rich, savory base. It’s a true balance: indulgent but not heavy, flavorful without being complicated.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, entertaining friends, or just craving a meal that feels a little more special, this shrimp scampi recipe delivers on all fronts.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Restaurant-quality results that feel effortless.
- Fresh, vibrant twist on a timeless Italian-American favorite.
- Simple, high-impact ingredients that let real flavors shine.
- Ideal for entertaining or romantic dinners at home.
- Make-ahead friendly — especially if you prep the pesto in advance.
The Key Elements That Make It Stand Out
The Lemon Basil Pesto
Fresh basil, Parmesan, walnuts, garlic, and lemon come together to create a pesto that’s lighter and sharper than the traditional version. It cuts through the richness of the shrimp and butter sauce, adding a lift that keeps every bite interesting.
The Perfect Shrimp Scampi Base
Large shrimp, sautéed quickly in butter and olive oil, build the savory foundation. A splash of white wine and a touch of white wine vinegar deglaze the pan, pulling up all the flavorful bits and creating a glossy, garlic-forward sauce that clings to the pasta.
The Pasta
Classic linguine works beautifully here, offering just the right texture to soak up the buttery sauce and hold onto the pesto. A little reserved pasta water brings everything together into a silky, cohesive dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and easy, even cooking.
- Reserve your pasta water — it’s the secret to a luxurious, emulsified sauce.
- Make the pesto ahead to streamline the process and deepen the flavors.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — you want it al dente so it can absorb sauce without getting mushy.
- Choose a dry white wine you’d actually drink for deglazing; it matters for flavor.
Make-Ahead and Serving Ideas
You can prepare the lemon basil pesto up to three days ahead and store it chilled with a thin layer of olive oil over the top to preserve the color and flavor. Clean and devein the shrimp the day before to save prep time. When you’re ready to cook, it’s simply a matter of boiling the pasta, sautéing the shrimp, and bringing everything together.
Serve the shrimp scampi hot, with crusty bread on the side to soak up the extra sauce. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly, while fresh lemon wedges at the table allow everyone to adjust the brightness to their own taste.
Simple Variations to Make It Your Own
While the lemon basil pesto brings a signature flavor, feel free to swap in other herbs like parsley or arugula for a slightly different spin. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp for a touch of heat, or swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free pasta option.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite
This Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil Pesto is the perfect blend of tradition and freshness. It honors the classic flavors of garlic, butter, and lemon while layering in a modern herbaceous twist that feels bright, light, and special. Whether you’re cooking for a milestone dinner or simply upgrading your usual weeknight pasta routine, this recipe proves that with a few thoughtful touches, even the simplest dishes can taste extraordinary.
Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil Pesto
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minutesShrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil Pesto is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp in a garlicky, buttery sauce with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon basil pesto. Served over al dente linguine, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or an indulgent weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp Scampi
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
16 ounces linguine noodles
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese
for serving, lemon wedges
- For the Lemon Basil Pesto
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup walnuts
2 cloves of garlic
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Lemon Basil Pesto:
Combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and thoroughly combined. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Set aside. - Cook the Linguine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside. - Cook the Shrimp Scampi:
Heat the extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour the white wine and white wine vinegar into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in the fresh parsley. - Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the shrimp scampi. Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
Divide the linguine and shrimp scampi among serving plates. Drizzle the lemon basil pesto over the pasta and shrimp. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, additional freshly chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Brussels Sprouts Salad
If you love the bright, herbaceous flavors of this Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Basil Pesto, you’ll definitely want to try this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Brussels Sprouts Salad next. It’s a bold, savory twist on shrimp, combining rich garlic butter with caramelized Brussels sprouts, toasted almonds, and a hit of Parmesan for the perfect balance of crunch and umami. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy yet elegant dish or a fresh new way to enjoy shrimp, this salad delivers big flavor in every bite.
