Prawn Scampi
Succulent, plump prawns sautéed in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. A restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
- d.Just before draining, reserve at least 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes.
- d.Cook for 60-90 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it burn.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Prawns and Deglaze
- b.Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the prawns to the skillet in a single layer, and season with salt and black pepper.
- c.Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and just opaque. Do not overcook.
- d.Remove the prawns from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- e.Pour the white wine into the hot skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build the Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
- c.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Return the cooked prawns to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and half of the chopped parsley.
- c.Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss everything vigorously for about 1 minute to combine. The starch from the water will help the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a silky consistency.
- d.If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- e.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- f.Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patting the prawns dry before cooking is crucial for getting a good sear rather than steaming them.
- 2Temporarily removing the prawns from the pan while you make the sauce is the best way to prevent them from becoming tough and overcooked.
- 3Don't skip reserving the pasta water. It's the key ingredient that emulsifies the fat and liquid into a smooth, restaurant-quality sauce.
- 4Use a high-quality dry white wine that you would enjoy drinking, like a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay.
- 5Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Use fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley for the most vibrant flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Scampi
For a richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream along with the lemon juice in Step 4.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes or a few handfuls of fresh spinach in the skillet before adding the prawns.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add a finely chopped fresh red chili along with the garlic.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to reserve the starchy pasta water as it's still essential for the sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Prawns are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Selenium
Prawns are one of the best dietary sources of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Immunity-Boosting Properties
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Prawn Scampi contains approximately 600-750 calories, depending on the exact amounts of butter, oil, and pasta used. The prawns themselves are low in calories, with the majority coming from the pasta, butter, and olive oil.