Description
Shrimp Scampi Linguini is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, succulent shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon, served over perfectly cooked al dente linguini. This quick and flavorful pasta recipe balances zesty citrus notes with a mild spicy kick from red pepper flakes, making it an elegant yet easy meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb linguini
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the linguini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguini and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp base: While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter stops bubbling before proceeding.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the shrimp, add the minced garlic, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the white wine along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked linguini into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- If white wine is unavailable, chicken broth can be used as a substitute, but will slightly alter the flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit if you want a milder dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; adding a splash can help loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
- Garnish with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Linguini, Garlic Butter Sauce, Italian Pasta, Quick Dinner, Seafood Pasta
