Zesty Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Recipe: Easy Dinner Magic

Whipping up a delectable shrimp scampi with linguine becomes a breeze in just 25 minutes.

Succulent prawns dance in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce that promises restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Mediterranean culinary magic unfolds quickly with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Wine adds depth while parsley brings fresh brightness to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Pasta lovers rejoice as each twirled forkful delivers pure comfort and satisfaction.

Crisp white wine and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet elegant meal beyond ordinary weeknight cooking.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly simple and guaranteed to impress even discerning dinner companions.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• How do I know when shrimp are cooked correctly?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

• What can I substitute for white wine?

Use chicken broth or seafood stock as an alternative. The liquid helps create the sauce and adds depth of flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Why 25-Minute Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Works

• Speed Up Your Dinner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just a few minutes without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine zesty garlic, bright lemon, spicy red pepper flakes, and succulent shrimp for a taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet pasta dish without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.
• Versatile Weeknight Champion: Perfect for casual family dinners, date nights, or impromptu gatherings, this shrimp scampi adapts easily to different dining scenarios while always delivering delicious results.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Linguine

• Linguine: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for this seafood dish.
• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of the scampi.

• Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps prevent sticking.
• Butter: Provides a creamy texture and enhances the overall richness of the dish.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Creates a bold, spicy base that complements the shrimp.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the dish.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal note to the final presentation.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the shrimp and pasta.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, umami finish to the dish.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi in 25 Minutes

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot of salted water bubbling. Toss in linguine and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, ready for its flavorful transformation.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium warmth.

Watch for a gentle sizzle that signals deliciousness is coming.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Ingredients

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for about one minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn beautifully pink and become opaque. Gently remove and set aside.

Step 5: Deglaze With Wine Magic

Pour white wine and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce for two minutes.

Step 6: Reunite Ingredients

Return shrimp to the pan.

Add cooked linguine and toss everything together, ensuring each strand gets coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

• Remaining butter
• Lemon zest
• Chopped fresh parsley

Mix everything until harmoniously combined.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate immediately. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Dive into your restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes!

Pro Tips for Shrimp Scampi Success

• Crush garlic cloves instead of mincing for a more intense, robust taste that infuses the dish with deeper aroma.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and chewy.
• Select fresh, high-quality shrimp with a clean ocean smell and firm texture for the best flavor and texture in your scampi.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version that still adds rich depth to the sauce.
• Reserve a little pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the linguine and shrimp.

Variations for Shrimp Scampi Linguine

• Gluten-Free Zoodle Scampi: Replace linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the classic shrimp scampi flavors.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and skip Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free option that maintains the dish's rich, aromatic profile.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Adaptation: Add Cajun seasoning instead of red pepper flakes and include additional seafood like scallops or crawfish for a bold, southern-style transformation.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh oregano and swap white wine with dry vermouth, then top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.

Pairings for Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the shrimp’s delicate flavor and cut through the buttery sauce.

Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious white wine and lemon sauce, adding texture and extra flavor to the meal.

Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the richness of the shrimp scampi and provide a fresh, crisp contrast.

Pair with a chilled lemonade or sparkling water with a lemon twist to echo the dish’s bright citrus notes and cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Store Shrimp Scampi Dishes

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta and shrimp to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of white wine or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Quick Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Recipe Ready in Under Half an Hour

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering 25-minute shrimp scampi with linguine combines zesty garlic, succulent shrimp, and perfectly al dente pasta in one elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish. Seafood enthusiasts and home chefs will savor this quick, restaurant-quality meal that brings coastal Italian flavors directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil with butter over medium heat until butter melts and becomes slightly foamy.
3. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring rapidly to release aromatic oils for approximately 60 seconds without browning.
4. Slide peeled shrimp into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook approximately 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring shrimp transform to a vibrant pink and appear translucent in center.
5. Carefully deglaze pan with white wine and fresh lemon juice, scraping accumulated flavor fragments from skillet bottom. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate for 2 minutes.
6. Reintroduce cooked shrimp to skillet, then gently fold in reserved linguine, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated with pan sauce.
7. Finish dish by incorporating remaining butter, sprinkle of lemon zest, and freshly chopped parsley. Toss delicately to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Transfer immediately to serving plates, optionally crowning with delicate Parmesan cheese shavings for enhanced richness.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to elevate the dish’s flavor and texture, ensuring they’re deveined and cleaned properly.
• Prevent overcooking shrimp by watching for a pink, slightly curved appearance, which indicates they’re perfectly done and tender.
• Substitute gluten-free linguine for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the recipe’s delicious essence while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the dish’s depth by using dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which adds complexity without overwhelming the delicate seafood.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg