Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Pasta

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Pasta is a timeless Italian-American classic that brings together the bold flavors of garlic, butter, lemon, and succulent shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that manages to be both indulgent and refreshing—the richness of the butter is balanced by the brightness of lemon juice and white wine, while the shrimp add a touch of elegance.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough to serve for date nights, special gatherings, or dinner parties. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels like something you’d enjoy at a seaside trattoria.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is quick, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. The shrimp cook in minutes, soaking up the garlicky, buttery sauce, and the linguine ties it all together into a complete meal. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without being complicated.

The balance of flavors—savory garlic, tangy lemon, a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, and the tender juiciness of shrimp—makes every bite satisfying. It’s also versatile; you can dress it up for entertaining or keep it simple for a comforting family dinner.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Restaurant-quality at home: Elegant enough to impress guests.
• Balanced flavors: Rich, zesty, garlicky, and buttery all at once.
• Versatile: Works as a weeknight dinner, date night dish, or festive entrée.
• Light yet satisfying: It feels indulgent but isn’t overly heavy.

Recipe Details

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

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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, according to package instructions.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add remaining butter.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add red pepper flakes, then deglaze with white wine (or broth).
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until liquid reduces slightly.
5. Stir in lemon juice and zest.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

1. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
2. Toss everything to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
3. Add reserved pasta water (a splash at a time) if needed to loosen sauce.
4. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate pasta with shrimp evenly distributed.
2. Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan (optional).

How to Serve

• Serve hot with crusty garlic bread on the side.
• Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Add a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen (thawed) works too.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly and can become rubbery.
• Always reserve pasta water; its starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
• Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for a brighter flavor.

Variations

• Creamy Scampi: Add ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Spicy Scampi: Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
• Vegetable Scampi: Add sautéed spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve shrimp and sauce over zucchini noodles instead of linguine.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp can turn rubbery and pasta loses texture.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep shrimp and sauce separately and cook pasta fresh before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet (for sauce and shrimp)
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Microplane/zester (for lemon zest)

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea and the warmth of Italian cooking into your home. It’s quick, elegant, and bursting with flavor—a perfect recipe for both busy weeknights and special occasions. With its garlicky butter sauce, tender shrimp, and zesty lemon finish, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.

Make this once, and you’ll see why it’s a timeless classic that belongs in your recipe collection.

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Pasta

Author: admin Cuisine: Italian-American Courses: Dinner

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

Servings: 4 Calories: 480kcal

Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Pasta is a timeless Italian-American classic that brings together the bold flavors of garlic, butter, lemon, and succulent shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 of Zest lemon
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add red pepper flakes, then deglaze with white wine (or broth). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until liquid reduces slightly. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
4. Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water (a splash at a time) if needed to loosen sauce. Stir in fresh parsley.
5. Step 5: Serve: Plate pasta with shrimp evenly distributed. Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan (optional).

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Pasta