Description
A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe with linguine, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features a garlicky, buttery sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces linguine pasta (about 225 grams), cooked al dente
- 1 pound large shrimp (about 450 grams), peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 60 grams)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat 1 pound (450 grams) of peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1.5–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), then pour in fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add the drained linguine to the skillet with shrimp. Pour reserved pasta water gradually, about 1/4 cup (60 ml) at a time, stirring to loosen and emulsify the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to avoid steaming. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Add lemon juice at the end to prevent sauce separation. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: shrimp scampi, linguine, quick dinner, seafood pasta, garlic butter sauce, easy weeknight meal