Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
A classic Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender shrimp in a rich garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, tossed with linguine. This elegant dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for any night of the week.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the pasta
- a.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt, then add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Sauté the aromatics
- a.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- 3
Cook the shrimp
- a.Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Use tongs to remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to prevent overcooking.
- 4
Deglaze and create the sauce
- a.Pour the white wine and fresh lemon juice into the hot skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Combine and finish
- a.Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained linguine, the cooked shrimp, the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, and the chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Toss continuously until the butter has melted and created a silky sauce that coats the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Divide the pasta among four bowls. Garnish with fresh lemon zest and extra parsley. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the shrimp. They cook in just a few minutes. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
- 2Reserve your pasta water. The starchy water is liquid gold; it helps emulsify the butter and wine to create a smooth, clingy sauce.
- 3Use high-quality ingredients. Since this dish has few ingredients, their quality shines through. Use a good dry white wine you'd drink, fresh garlic, and real butter.
- 4Fresh is best. Use fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled juice and dried herbs won't have the same impact.
- 5Finish with cold butter. For an extra rich and glossy sauce, add the final 4 tablespoons of butter to the pan off the heat and swirl until it melts completely.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Toss in 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), a few handfuls of fresh spinach, or some blanched asparagus spears during the last minute of cooking the sauce for added color and nutrients.
Make it CreamyMake it Creamy
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of heavy cream along with the final portion of butter.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This sauce works beautifully with other proteins. Try it with seared scallops, chicken breast tenders, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Herb VariationsHerb Variations
Experiment with other fresh herbs. A tablespoon of chopped fresh tarragon or chives can add a different and delicious flavor dimension.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp provides a significant amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The use of olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Immune Support from Garlic
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been studied for their potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this Shrimp Scampi with Linguine contains approximately 850-950 calories, primarily from the pasta, butter, and olive oil. The exact number can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.