Name: Shrimp Scampi Linguine: The Ultimate Recipe for Delicious Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine pasta; 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference); 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc); 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1/4 cup butter, unsalted; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional); Lemon wedges, for serving (optional); 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Shrimp Scampi Linguine: just the name conjures up images of perfectly cooked shrimp glistening in a buttery, garlicky sauce, doesn't it? I'm about to share my absolute favorite version of this classic dish, and trust me, it's a weeknight winner that tastes like a gourmet indulgence. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this recipe is surprisingly simple and ready in under 30 minutes!

While the exact origins of Shrimp Scampi are debated, its Italian-American roots are undeniable. "Scampi" itself refers to a type of small, lobster-like crustacean, but in the US, it's come to mean shrimp prepared in a garlic butter sauce. This dish gained popularity in Italian-American restaurants in the mid-20th century and has been a beloved staple ever since.

What's not to love? The combination of tender shrimp, perfectly al dente linguine, and that rich, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. People adore Shrimp Scampi Linguine because it's both comforting and elegant. It's the perfect dish for a quick family dinner, a romantic date night, or even a casual get-together with friends. The bright, lemony notes cut through the richness of the butter, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or toss in some fresh vegetables for added nutrition. Get ready to experience the magic of this timeless classic!

Ingredients:

1 pound linguine pasta
1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup butter, unsalted
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Preparing the Shrimp and Garlic

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our shrimp and garlic. This is where the magic begins, trust me!

Prepare the Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed if you're using frozen ones. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial because excess moisture will prevent them from browning properly in the pan. Nobody wants soggy shrimp! Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy – this is your chance to build flavor. I like to use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust to your taste.
Mince the Garlic: Mince your garlic cloves finely. You want them to release all their aromatic goodness into the olive oil. I prefer using a garlic press for this, but you can also chop it by hand. Just make sure it's minced finely to avoid any large, overpowering chunks of garlic.

Cooking the Shrimp Scampi

Now for the fun part – cooking the scampi! This is where the flavors really start to come together. We'll be working quickly here, so make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Cook the Pasta: While you're prepping the shrimp and garlic, get your pasta water boiling. Use a large pot and generously salt the water – it should taste like the sea! This will season the pasta from the inside out. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, so you want the pasta to be firm but not crunchy. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a beautiful, emulsified sauce.
Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Burnt garlic is a scampi killer!
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. If you overcrowd the pan, the shrimp will steam instead of sear, and we want that beautiful golden-brown color. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and have curled into a nice "C" shape. Don't overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp!
Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are called "fond," and they are packed with flavor. The wine will help to loosen them and create a richer, more complex sauce.
Add Lemon Juice and Butter: Stir in the lemon juice and butter. Let the butter melt completely, creating a luscious and creamy sauce. The lemon juice will add a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Almost there! Now we're going to bring everything together and create the ultimate shrimp scampi linguine. This is where the magic really happens!

Add the Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to emulsify the sauce and create a silky, smooth texture.
Stir in Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The parsley will add a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
Season to Taste: Taste the scampi and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Serving and Enjoying

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for – serving and enjoying our delicious shrimp scampi linguine! This dish is best served immediately, while the pasta is still warm and the sauce is creamy.

Serve Immediately: Divide the shrimp scampi linguine among plates or bowls.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired. The Parmesan cheese will add a salty, savory flavor, while the lemon wedges will allow your guests to add an extra burst of citrus.
Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy! This shrimp scampi linguine is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's sure to impress your family and friends.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor. Use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley whenever possible.
Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and unpleasant. Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce. Don't skip this step!
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the scampi and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi linguine is best served immediately, while the pasta is still warm and the sauce is creamy.

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers to the scampi. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
Use Different Pasta: You can use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair, instead of linguine.
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes to make the scampi spicier.
Add Cream: For a richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet along with the lemon juice and butter.

Conclusion:

This Shrimp Scampi Linguine recipe isn't just another pasta dish; it's a gateway to a quick, elegant, and utterly satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends, or simply elevate your weeknight dinner. The bright, garlicky sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and al dente linguine combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. It’s truly a must-try for anyone who appreciates delicious, easy-to-make food. But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Want to bulk it up with some veggies? Sauté some spinach, asparagus, or zucchini along with the garlic for added nutrients and flavor. For serving suggestions, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the pasta. A crusty loaf of bread is also essential for soaking up every last drop of that delicious scampi sauce. And don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Consider serving this Shrimp Scampi Linguine with a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the sauce and enhance the flavors of the shrimp. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is a refreshing choice. If you're looking to make this recipe even faster, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just be sure to add them at the very end to avoid overcooking. You can also substitute the linguine with other types of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair. Each pasta shape will offer a slightly different texture and experience, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite. Don't be intimidated by the name; this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will ensure that the dish comes together quickly and smoothly. And remember, don't overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and opaque, but still tender. I truly believe that this Shrimp Scampi Linguine will become a staple in your kitchen. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. It's also a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear your feedback, see your photos, and learn about any variations you've tried. You can leave a comment below or tag me on social media. Happy cooking! I can't wait to see your culinary creations. Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll be happy to help. Enjoy!