Introduction
Shrimp Scampi Linguine Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that beautifully balances simplicity and elegance. Juicy, tender shrimp are quickly sautéed in garlic, butter, and olive oil, then tossed with linguine and finished with a splash of lemon juice, white wine, and fresh parsley. The result is a dish that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, yet comforting enough to feel indulgent.
This is the kind of meal that feels special enough for date nights, dinner parties, or festive occasions, but is also easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures—the richness of butter, the brightness of lemon, the delicate sweetness of shrimp, and the satisfying bite of linguine. Every forkful is light but deeply satisfying.
Another reason I adore this dish is its simplicity. You don’t need dozens of ingredients or hours in the kitchen; just fresh shrimp, pasta, and a few pantry staples create something restaurant-worthy. And the best part? It pairs beautifully with wine and makes any meal feel like a celebration.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- It’s quick and easy—ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy light pasta dishes.
- It’s versatile—works as a weeknight meal or a romantic dinner.
- The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine is universally loved.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~480 calories per serving (varies by pasta portion and amount of butter/oil used)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Course
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus zest of ½ lemon)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Sauté shrimp with garlic, butter, and olive oil.
- Deglaze with white wine and lemon juice.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook 1–2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in white wine (or broth) and let it simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and remaining butter.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
- Add drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss well to coat the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
How to Serve This Recipe
- Serve hot as a main course with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Garnish with extra lemon wedges for brightness.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor (but frozen works if thawed properly).
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
- If you don’t want wine, use chicken broth with a little extra lemon juice.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer dish.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Different Pasta: Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair instead of linguine.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp and pasta don’t freeze well.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs for tossing pasta
- Zester for lemon (optional but recommended)
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Linguine Pasta is a timeless, elegant, and flavor-packed dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With garlicky butter sauce, juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and tender linguine, it’s the ultimate pasta for seafood lovers. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe will become a favorite at your table.

Shrimp Scampi Linguine Pasta
Description
Shrimp Scampi Linguine Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that beautifully balances simplicity and elegance. Juicy, tender shrimp are quickly sautéed in garlic, butter, and olive oil, then tossed with linguine and finished with a splash of lemon juice, white wine, and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
For the Shrimp Scampi:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp : In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
-
Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce : In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine (or broth) and let it simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and remaining butter.
-
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp : Add drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together.
-
Step 5: Garnish and Serve : Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.