If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for a dinner party, Shrimp Scampi Linguine is your answer. This dish is all about bright, garlicky, buttery goodness paired with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. Every twirl of linguine is coated in a light, flavorful sauce with just the right kick of lemon and red pepper flakes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes!
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Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Restaurant-Worthy: Feels fancy but is super simple to make at home.
Fresh & Flavorful: Bright flavors of garlic, lemon, and parsley enhance the succulent shrimp.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap the pasta, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Light Yet Satisfying: A perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.µ
Ingredients in Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Linguine: The perfect pasta for soaking up the buttery, garlicky sauce.
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
Garlic: The heart of the flavor—fresh minced garlic is best.
Butter & Olive Oil: A rich combination for sautéing and creating a silky sauce.
White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce (use broth if preferred).
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens up the dish with a fresh, citrusy zing.
Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat to balance the richness.
Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, adding color and a hint of earthiness.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every bite.
Parmesan (Optional): A sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add more butter, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, simmering until slightly reduced.
Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the pan, toss in the cooked pasta, and add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
Garnish & Serve: Stir in fresh parsley, lemon zest, and parmesan if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Linguine
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
Paired with a Salad: A crisp green salad balances the rich flavors.
With a Glass of White Wine: A light, dry white wine complements the dish beautifully.
Extra Parmesan: Because a little more cheese never hurts!
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, fresh shrimp enhance the flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly—just a couple of minutes per side!
Adjust the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Save Pasta Water: Helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta.
Swap the Pasta: Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Q2: What can I substitute for white wine?
A2: Chicken or vegetable broth works as a great alternative.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q4: Can I reheat this dish?
A4: Yes, gently reheat in a pan with a splash of broth or water.
Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
A5: Absolutely! Just swap the linguine for gluten-free pasta.
Q6: Can I add vegetables?
A6: Yes! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions.
Q7: How do I make it creamier?
A7: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Q8: Can I make it dairy-free?
A8: Use all olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese.
Q9: What’s the best shrimp size to use?
A9: Medium to large shrimp work best for this dish.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just use a larger pan to accommodate the extra ingredients.
This Shrimp Scampi Linguine is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints. Happy cooking!
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Shrimp Scampi Linguine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that brings the fresh, zesty taste of the coast to your table. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, shallots, and white wine, then tossed with linguine in a creamy, buttery sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a romantic meal!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz thin linguine
- 1 splash reserved pasta water
For the Shrimp & Sauce:
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juiced (+ slices for serving)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (or cooking wine)
- 1/2 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or more for a creamier sauce)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil, for cooking and serving
Seasonings:
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp butter & olive oil.
- Season shrimp with salt and sear for 2 minutes per side.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter, shallots, and tomatoes.
- Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Squeeze in ½ lemon juice, then deglaze the pan with white wine.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water and simmer for 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Turn off the heat and return shrimp to the skillet to warm through.
- Toss in the drained pasta, coating it well in the sauce.
- Serve with fresh lemon slices, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.
- Swap white wine for chicken broth if preferred.
- Use spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair instead of linguine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg