Why You’ll Love This
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi over Linguine is a bright, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, fresh lemon, and a silky buttery sauce. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a quick weeknight meal. The balance of citrus, garlic, and herbs makes every bite fresh and satisfying, while the linguine perfectly soaks up the rich, savory sauce. Best of all, this restaurant-quality dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
● 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
● 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
● 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 4 garlic cloves, minced
● ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
● ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
● Juice of 1 large lemon
● Zest of 1 lemon
● ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
● ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
● ¼ teaspoon black pepper
● ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
● Lemon wedges, for serving
Preparation Instructions
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Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. -
Prepare the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper. -
Heat the pan
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. -
Cook the shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. -
Sauté the garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using. -
Make the sauce
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. -
Combine everything
Add the cooked linguine and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. -
Finish with herbs
Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. -
Serve immediately
Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan and fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Colander or strainer
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Tongs or pasta fork
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Garlic press or knife
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Cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
Tips
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Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and should only take a couple of minutes.
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Add pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce that coats the linguine.
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For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of butter at the end.
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Make it lighter by reducing the butter and increasing olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp scampi pasta pairs beautifully with:
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Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread
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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
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A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Garnish with extra parsley, lemon zest, or freshly grated Parmesan for added flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
While pasta dishes with shrimp are best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, broth, or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of linguine?
Yes. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta all work well with shrimp scampi.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a mix of broth and a little extra lemon juice works well.
3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini make great additions and add extra color and nutrition.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi over Linguine is a classic dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and fresh lemon creates a light yet indulgent pasta that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 480 kcal
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Protein: 32 g
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Carbohydrates: 48 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Saturated Fat: 7 g
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Cholesterol: 220 mg
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Sodium: 620 mg
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 2 g
