Description
Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a classic Italian-American seafood pasta dish featuring tender linguine tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with succulent shrimp, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of white wine. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of rich and zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Sauce and Shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and combined. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Lemon: Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the sauce with a fresh citrus note.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish Dish: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and toss again until everything is well combined and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi linguine immediately while hot, optionally with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp that has been fully thawed and patted dry to ensure the best texture.
- For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of butter at the end before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use chicken broth instead of white wine.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
