Description
Shrimp Scampi Linguini is a classic Italian-American seafood pasta dish featuring tender large shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, tossed with perfectly cooked linguini. This quick and flavorful recipe combines olive oil, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley for an irresistible main course that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguini
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the cooked linguini to the skillet. Toss everything well to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi linguini hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added richness and creaminess, stir in a splash of cream into the sauce during the simmer step.
- You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain the perfect texture of the shrimp and linguini.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
