Description
Shrimp Scampi Linguini is a classic Italian-American seafood pasta dish featuring succulent, garlic butter shrimp tossed with linguini in a tangy lemon and white wine sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, this easy and flavorful recipe comes together in just 25 minutes for an impressive yet simple main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguini pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the linguini. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in red pepper flakes if using, followed by the white wine (or broth), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it has slightly reduced.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguini to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi linguini immediately, offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who wish to add it.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, freshest flavor.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
