Name: Shrimp Scampi Linguini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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; 1 lb linguini

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If you are craving a dish that is both elegant and effortlessly delicious, then the Shrimp Scampi Linguini is the answer you’ve been looking for. This recipe brings together tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic, lemon, and buttery sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguini. It’s a bright and flavorful pasta meal that balances zest, richness, and a touch of heat, creating a comfort food experience without any heavy fuss. Whether for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this Shrimp Scampi Linguini will soon become one of your all-time favorites.

Shrimp Scampi Linguini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is simple but essential. Each element plays an important role in flavoring and building the perfect texture and aroma of the Shrimp Scampi Linguini.

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the garlicky, lemony goodness.
1 lb linguini: A long-lasting pasta with a slightly flat profile that holds the sauce beautifully.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky, irresistible sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances the butter with a fruity note and aids in cooking the shrimp evenly.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides the essential punch and depth of flavor that shrimp scampi is known for.
1/2 cup white wine: Adds acidity and subtle complexity; a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc works best.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Brightens the entire dish with fresh citrus oils.
1/4 cup lemon juice: Adds tang that lifts every bite.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle warmth that keeps the flavor exciting.
1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of vibrant green color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to perfect the balance of flavors.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi Linguini

Step 1: Cook the Linguini Perfectly

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil, then add the linguini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. The salt not only seasons the pasta itself but also enhances all the flavors later on, so don’t be shy with it. Once done, drain the linguini and set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp in Butter and Olive Oil

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This combo creates both flavor and a nice sear without burning. When the butter foams, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes without moving them too much to get that slight caramelization, then flip and add the minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan with White Wine

Pour in the white wine and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for about 2 minutes. This step creates a flavorful, silky sauce and helps pick up all the tasty browned bits left from cooking the shrimp, ensuring nothing is wasted.

Step 4: Add Brightenings and Heat

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. These fresh ingredients instantly brighten the rich sauce and add layers of vibrant flavor and gentle heat. Finish with salt and pepper to taste—don’t skip this step as it truly brings the dish together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained linguini back into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, tossing everything gently but thoroughly. This ensures every strand of pasta is coated in that delicious, buttery lemon garlic sauce with the shrimp nestled in perfectly. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi Linguini

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for a lively green contrast, and if you love a little extra zing, toss on a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A few lemon wedges on the plate allow each person to add an extra squeeze of brightness as desired.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Scampi Linguini pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overpower it. Think a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. These sides keep the meal light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Shrimp Scampi Linguini in large shallow bowls to showcase the bright colors and glossy sauce. For a dinner party, consider plating individual portions topped with a sprig of parsley and a thin lemon wheel. You might even toss the pasta with some sautéed cherry tomatoes or capers for an added burst of flavor and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Shrimp Scampi Linguini into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The shrimp and pasta will hold up well but are best enjoyed as fresh as possible to maintain their texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t recommended because the delicate texture of the shrimp and the sauce can suffer in texture after thawing. If you must freeze, do so before mixing the pasta and sauce, freezing components separately for better results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving without stirring, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and unevenly warm.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of linguini?

Absolutely! While linguini is traditional for shrimp scampi and great at holding the sauce, spaghetti or fettuccine will also work well. Just make sure your pasta choice can pick up the sauce nicely.

What if I don’t drink alcohol—can I skip the white wine?

Yes, you can omit the white wine or substitute it with low-sodium chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy more heat, increase the red pepper flakes slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the lemon and parsley. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate shrimp flavor.

Is it okay to use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan. This helps ensure they sear properly and don’t become soggy.

Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! The recipe scales up easily, just keep the pasta and shrimp ratios consistent, and cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Scampi Linguini is more than just a meal—it’s an experience packed with bright, buttery, and garlicky joy in every mouthful. It’s great for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-style dinner at home. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to anytime you want something quick, comforting, and truly special. Give it a whirl and enjoy every satisfying bite!

Shrimp Scampi Linguini Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Linguini is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic, lemon, and white wine sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguini. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Instructions

Cook the linguini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguini and cook to al dente according to package instructions. Drain 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.
Cook the shrimp and garlic: Once the butter stops bubbling, add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the shrimp, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Make the sauce: Pour in the white wine and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
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.
Toss linguini with sauce: Add the drained linguini to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine with the shrimp and sauce before serving.

Notes

Use dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for best flavor.
Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
You can substitute linguini with spaghetti or fettuccine if preferred.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
Fresh parsley adds brightness; dried parsley can be used but fresh is recommended.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American