Description
This Shrimp Scampi Linguini is a classic Italian-American seafood pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic, lemon, and buttery white wine sauce, served over perfectly cooked linguini. It’s a quick and elegant meal, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguini pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked linguini to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together to combine well.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the pasta.
- You can substitute spaghetti or fettuccine for linguini if preferred.
- Using dry white wine enhances the flavor, but chicken broth is a suitable non-alcoholic alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
