Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of coastal Italian-American cuisine quite like Shrimp Scampi Linguine with Garlic Butter. This classic recipe brings together tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic-butter and white wine sauce, all tossed with perfectly al dente linguine.

The aroma alone—garlic sizzling in butter, the bright hit of lemon, and the sweet brininess of shrimp—is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for date night or entertaining guests.

This dish is all about balance: the richness of butter meets the zest of lemon and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes, creating a harmony that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity. The shrimp cook in minutes, soaking up the buttery, garlicky goodness while the sauce clings beautifully to the strands of linguine. Every forkful delivers a burst of flavor—salty, tangy, buttery, and slightly spicy.

What I also adore is its versatility—you can dress it up with extra herbs and wine for a fancy dinner or keep it simple for a cozy meal at home. It’s a one-pan wonder that never fails to impress.

And perhaps best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest, most satisfying pasta dishes you can make.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Restaurant-quality flavor at home — without complicated steps.
• Quick & easy — perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.
• Elegant flavor balance — buttery richness + zesty lemon + garlicky depth.
• Protein-rich & satisfying — shrimp provides lean, delicious protein.
• Family favorite — everyone loves pasta and buttery seafood!

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 540 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 8 oz (225 g) linguine pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if preferred)
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional Garnishes

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a non-traditional but delicious touch)
• Extra chopped parsley
• Additional lemon zest

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
4. Toss pasta lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
5. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
2. Add remaining 3 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant (do not brown).
4. Add red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly.
6. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
2. Add the drained linguine directly into the sauce.
3. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toss again until well coated.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer to serving bowls or plates.
2. Garnish with more parsley, lemon wedges, and optional Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a glass of chilled white wine.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Scampi Linguine hot and fresh from the skillet for the best flavor and texture.
It pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp green salad
• White wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay)

For a restaurant-style presentation, twist the linguine with tongs into a nest and top with shrimp, a sprinkle of parsley, and a drizzle of butter sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp if possible — they cook faster and taste sweeter.
• Don’t overcook shrimp! They turn rubbery if left in the pan too long.
• Use good-quality butter — it’s the heart of your sauce.
• Deglaze the pan well with wine or broth to capture all the flavor bits.
• Balance the sauce — taste before serving; add more lemon juice or salt if needed.
• Reserve pasta water — it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.

Variations

1. Creamy Shrimp Scampi:
   Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a rich, velvety twist.
2. Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair:
   Substitute linguine with delicate angel hair pasta for a lighter texture.
3. Garlic-Free Version:
   Replace garlic with shallots and a touch of lemon zest for a gentler flavor.
4. Add Vegetables:
   Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
5. Spicy Scampi:
   Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil for a kick.
6. Keto/Low-Carb Option:
   Serve shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter.
• Freezer:
  Not recommended for best texture—shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. However, you can freeze just the shrimp and sauce (without pasta) for up to 1 month.
• Reheat Carefully:
  Warm over medium heat; avoid microwaving shrimp for too long.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs for tossing pasta
• Zester or grater (for lemon zest)
• Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for draining shrimp)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make this without wine?
Yes. Substitute white wine with chicken broth and add a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Q2. What shrimp size is best?
Large or extra-large shrimp (16/20 count) are perfect for this dish.

Q3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q4. Is Parmesan cheese authentic in scampi?
Traditionally, no—but it adds a delicious richness if you enjoy it.

Q5. How do I prevent mushy pasta?
Cook it al dente and toss it in the sauce just before serving—it’ll finish cooking in the pan.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Linguine with Garlic Butter is a timeless, elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic. The combination of succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and a hint of lemon makes every bite irresistible.

It’s luxurious yet easy, sophisticated yet comforting, and ready in just half an hour. Whether for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a cozy night in, this classic recipe delivers a taste of seaside Italy in every twirl of pasta.

A plate of this—and a glass of crisp white wine—is pure happiness.