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If you’re craving a quick and tasty meal, look no further than Shrimp Scampi Linguine! This dish is a perfect mix of savory shrimp, garlic, and zesty lemon, all wrapped in al dente pasta. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll serve a restaurant-quality meal at home. Let me guide you through this easy and flavorful recipe that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this culinary delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This shrimp scampi linguine recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a deliciously rich sauce that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and pasta.
- Customizable Spice Level: With adjustable red pepper flakes, you can easily tailor the heat to suit your taste preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: Serving this dish with a sprinkle of parsley and a lemon wedge makes it look as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for Shrimp Scampi Linguine:
– Linguine pasta: 12 oz
– Large shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined
– Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
– Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup
– Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
– Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon
– Lemon: 1, zested and juiced
– Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper: to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese: optional
These ingredients make the dish rich and tasty. Use good-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Fresh garlic adds a nice aroma. The lemon zest brightens the dish, while red pepper flakes give it a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper. Having fresh parsley on hand gives a pop of color and freshness to the dish. If you like cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top when serving. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish special.

Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Cook the Pasta
Boiling the water is the first step. Fill a large pot with water and add a lot of salt. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the linguine. You should cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes. This time will give you al dente pasta, which means it will still have a nice bite. Before you drain the pasta, reserve 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. This water helps to create a great sauce later.
Sautéing the Shrimp
Next, it’s time to sauté the shrimp. Use a large skillet and set the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Wait until the butter melts, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. After the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when they are done.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to combine the pasta and shrimp. Gently add the drained linguine to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together to make sure the pasta gets coated well. Start adding the reserved pasta water, beginning with half a cup. This step helps to adjust the sauce’s thickness. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. This will add a fresh flavor. Mix for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
How do you know when shrimp are perfectly cooked? Look for their color. They should turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium heat. If you see them turning gray, they need more time. You can also check their shape. Perfect shrimp curl into a C shape. If they form an O, they are overcooked.
To avoid rubbery shrimp, stick to the cooking time. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Always cook them just until they are pink. If you follow this, you’ll have tender shrimp every time.
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
How can you balance spice levels? Adjust the red pepper flakes to fit your taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon. You can always add more later if you want more heat. This method helps you control the spice without overpowering the dish.
Why is it important to use fresh parsley? Fresh herbs add bright flavor. Dried parsley lacks the same punch. Fresh parsley gives the dish a vibrant look and taste. Always chop it finely before adding it to the dish for the best result.
Serving Suggestions
What are some good plating techniques? Twirl the pasta using a fork for a nice nest. Place it in the center of the plate. This method creates a lovely presentation. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color.
What sides go well with Shrimp Scampi Linguine? A simple salad pairs nicely. You can also serve garlic bread for a classic touch. Both options complement the flavors in the dish and add to the meal.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Ensure you cook the linguine until it’s al dente for the best texture. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Fresh Shrimp Flavor: Use the freshest shrimp you can find. Fresh shrimp will have a subtle sweetness that frozen shrimp may lack.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, consider reducing the red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether. You can always add a dash of hot sauce later if needed!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side can brighten the flavors even more!

Variations
Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Preferences
You can make Shrimp Scampi Linguine fit your needs. First, try whole grain or gluten-free pasta. These options give you a healthier twist without losing flavor. They provide good texture and nutrients.
If you want to swap the shrimp, consider using scallops or chicken. Both options cook quickly and pair well with the sauce. Scallops add a sweet touch, while chicken offers a mild flavor.
Flavor Variations
For added flavor, try incorporating cherry tomatoes. They burst with sweetness and add a pop of color. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them fresh.
Another great option is to use white wine. It brings depth and richness to the sauce. Just add a splash after sautéing the garlic and shrimp. Let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol.
Spicy Version
If you love heat, adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. Start with a little and add more as you taste. This way, you control the spice level.
For an even spicier kick, add jalapeños. Slice them thin and toss them in with the shrimp. This will take your dish to a whole new level of heat and flavor!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store Shrimp Scampi Linguine, first let it cool. Use airtight containers for best results. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store leftovers in the fridge. They will last for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, you want to reheat them well. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water. Cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This helps avoid dry pasta.
For stovetop reheating, use a pan over low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or butter. Stir the pasta gently until warmed. This method keeps the shrimp tender and tasty.
Freezing Tips
Can you freeze Shrimp Scampi Linguine? Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the shrimp. Cook the pasta and sauce, then cool them. Place them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out extra air before sealing. You can freeze it for up to two months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, gently warm it in a pan. Add fresh shrimp if you like. This keeps your meal fresh and flavorful.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Shrimp Scampi Linguine?
Making Shrimp Scampi Linguine is quick and easy. The prep time takes about 10 minutes. Cooking the dish takes around 15 minutes. In total, you need about 25 minutes from start to finish.
What can I use instead of shrimp in this recipe?
If you have a shellfish allergy, you can use chicken or tofu. Both options work well. For seafood lovers, scallops are a great choice. You can also try using firm white fish, like cod or halibut.
Can I make Shrimp Scampi Linguine ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp, then store them separately. Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
This blog post covered all you need to make great Shrimp Scampi Linguine. We talked about ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfect results. Remember to use fresh herbs for the best taste and be careful not to overcook the shrimp. You can get creative with variations and store leftovers easily. Enjoy making this dish and share it with loved ones! Perfect food brings joy and good times around the table. Happy cookin
Shrimp Scampi Linguine
A delicious pasta dish featuring shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and olive oil, served with linguine.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the linguine, following the package instructions for cooking time, which is typically about 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the linguine and set it aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add the Shrimp: Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque.
Combine with Pasta: After the shrimp are fully cooked, gently add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss the pasta and shrimp together to combine. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water (start with half a cup) along with the lemon zest and juice. Stir everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to evenly coat the pasta and heat through.
Finishing Touches: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the finely chopped parsley and taste the dish. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if desired.
Serve: To plate the pasta, twirl it with a fork and create a nest on each plate or serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish each plate with an additional sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for a pop of color!
Keyword garlic, linguine, pasta, seafood, shrimp
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