Linguine Shrimp Scampi is a tasty pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with garlic and lemon. It’s fast and perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine Pasta: This is the classic choice for shrimp scampi. You can substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine if you want a different shape, just keep an eye on cooking times!
Shrimp: Fresh large shrimp are best for this dish, but frozen shrimp work fine too. Just make sure they’re thawed. If you’re looking for a meat alternative, you can try using scallops or chicken instead, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free version, try using olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
White Wine: Dry white wine enhances the dish. If you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth works great too or even vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic creates a big impact on flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder (about 1/2 tsp), but fresh is always better for this recipe!
How Can I Cook Shrimp Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking shrimp is simple but timing is key to prevent rubbery shrimp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with raw, peeled shrimp. Toss them with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add oil and butter.
- When the oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side.
- Flip shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately!
Perfectly cooked shrimp are tender, juicy, and delicious, so keep an eye on them!
How to Make Linguine Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare: 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the linguine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). When done, drain the pasta but keep about 1/2 cup of the pasta water aside for later.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet. Heat up the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Next, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid a bit.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon zest until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the drained linguine. Toss everything together so that the pasta and shrimp are nicely coated in the delicious sauce. If it looks too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
5. Finish and Serve:
Finally, stir in the chopped parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the Linguine Shrimp Scampi hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful and vibrant Linguine Shrimp Scampi!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quicker by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No worries! You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Just make sure to let it simmer a little longer to intensify the flavors!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers. You can also try adding diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep a few things ahead of time! You can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and zest the lemon up to a day in advance. Just keep everything stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
