Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter and Linguine

Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter and Linguine is a classic Italian-American seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, white wine, and red pepper flakes, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. The result is a luxurious yet simple meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home.

This dish is the ultimate combination of freshness from the lemon, richness from the butter, and a touch of spice that ties everything together. It’s elegant enough for date nights and simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Shrimp Scampi recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity. The shrimp cook quickly and soak up all that garlicky, buttery goodness, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to the linguine. The aroma of sizzling garlic and shrimp is irresistible!
What I love most is that it delivers such intense flavor with minimal effort. It’s light yet indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers and pasta fans alike.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this recipe because it’s:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes!
• Restaurant-Quality: Tastes like a gourmet dish but can be made in your home kitchen.
• Versatile: Works for weeknight meals or special occasions.
• Rich & Refreshing: The perfect combination of buttery, garlicky richness and zesty lemon brightness.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine (or spaghetti/fettuccine)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra lemon wedges

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Boil the linguine until al dente.
2. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in butter and olive oil.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and slightly golden.
4. Deglaze with white wine, then stir in lemon juice and zest.
5. Toss the pasta into the pan with the sauce and parsley.
6. Serve hot with Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add linguine and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

1. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown the garlic).

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
2. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping any brown bits from the bottom.
2. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return shrimp to the pan along with the cooked linguine.
2. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
3. Sprinkle parsley and toss again until well combined.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer to serving plates.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Scampi hot with:

• A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
• A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
• A glass of chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp! They turn rubbery if cooked too long.
• Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and make it silky.
• Use high-quality butter and olive oil for the best flavor.

Variations

1. Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to make it rich and creamy.
2. Spicy Scampi: Increase red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
3. Vegetable Scampi: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for color and texture.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta.
5. Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Shrimp scampi isn’t ideal for freezing due to texture changes, but you can freeze cooked shrimp separately for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs for tossing pasta
• Fine grater or zester (for lemon zest)

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter and Linguine is a timeless, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent and elegant. Its luscious garlic butter sauce and tender shrimp make it perfect for any occasion — from family dinners to romantic nights in. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter and Linguine

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: Italian Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Description

Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter and Linguine is a classic Italian-American seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, white wine, and red pepper flakes, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. The result is a luxurious yet simple meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ¹⁄₂ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 and Juice zest of lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Sauté the Garlic : In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown the garlic).
3. Step 3: Cook the Shrimp : Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Step 4: Make the Sauce : Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping any brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: Combine Everything : Return shrimp to the pan along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle parsley and toss again until well combined.
6. Step 6: Serve : Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Butter and Linguine