Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is a delightful Italian-American classic that combines the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, all tossed in al dente linguine. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this dish comes together quickly and leaves you with a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serving Size: 4 servings

Description:

This recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean without leaving your home. The dish features plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a fragrant blend of garlic-infused butter, white wine, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Served over perfectly al dente linguine, this meal is both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients:

1 pound linguine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, optional
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil for cooking the pasta

Instructions:

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid.
Melt Butter with Garlic: In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet in one layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan using tongs, setting aside.
Add Wine and Lemon: Pour white wine into the garlic butter mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly. Add lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne or red pepper flakes if using.
Toss with Pasta: Reduce heat to low and add drained linguine to the sauce, tossing well to coat pasta evenly. If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking liquid a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Finish with Herbs: Return cooked shrimp back into the skillet with pasta and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle chopped parsley over top of dish for garnish.
Serve Hot: Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Tips:

To ensure the shrimp cooks evenly and quickly without becoming tough or rubbery, make sure they are room temperature before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which can prevent proper searing.
For an extra burst of flavor, you could add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sliced mushrooms along with the shrimp during cooking.
If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even more lemon juice for a lighter version that still packs plenty of flavor.

Storage and Reheating:

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm over low heat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen sauce.

Pairing Suggestions:

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs beautifully with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with lemon slices for a refreshing twist.

Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine!