Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is a delightful Italian-American dish that combines the succulence of shrimp with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, all tossed with al dente linguine. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe offers a burst of flavor in every bite.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Serving Size: 4 servings

Description:

This dish is a symphony of flavors, where the sweetness of shrimp meets the robustness of garlic and the richness of butter. The linguine soaks up all these flavors beautifully, making each strand a perfect partner for its seafood counterpart.

Ingredients:

1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced and zested
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 pound linguine pasta
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat lovers)

How To Cook:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions.
Prepare Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to high and add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan using tongs and set aside.
Mix Lemon Juice & Butter: In the same skillet, stir in remaining butter until melted. Add lemon juice and zest to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Drain pasta but reserve 1 cup of cooking water. Return pasta to pot or transfer to skillet with garlic-butter sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if necessary for desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Add cooked shrimp back into the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately while hot and delicious!

Tips & Variations:

To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the shrimp before cooking.
For an extra burst of flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms or cherry tomatoes with the garlic for added depth.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream after adding lemon juice and zest.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment by incorporating your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personalized touch. Enjoy this delightful dish anytime you’re craving something special yet straightforward!