Introduction

Few dishes capture the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity like Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic-butter sauce with a touch of lemon and white wine, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. The result is a pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet can be prepared at home in under 30 minutes.

What makes this dish shine is its layers of flavor: the buttery richness, the brightness from fresh lemon, the subtle sweetness of shrimp, and the comforting bite of pasta. It’s the type of dish that impresses guests at a dinner party, yet is simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a true celebration of fresh ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples and good-quality shrimp, you get a dish that tastes luxurious but requires minimal effort.

The garlic-butter sauce clings beautifully to the linguine, while the shrimp cook quickly and add incredible flavor. Another reason I adore it is its versatility—you can serve it as a light romantic dinner, a family favorite, or even as the star dish for a festive gathering. Plus, it’s ready in less than half an hour, which makes it one of those rare recipes that are both impressive and convenient.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it captures the essence of what makes Italian-American cuisine so beloved: simplicity, freshness, and bold flavors. It’s not just pasta with shrimp—it’s an elegant harmony of textures and tastes.

The garlicky butter sauce enriched with white wine and lemon juice makes the dish feel indulgent but not heavy. It’s also endlessly adaptable—you can spice it up, add veggies, or even make it creamy. If you’ve been looking for a recipe that feels special yet approachable, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is it.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4 portions
• Calories (per serving): ~520 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp:

• 400 g (14 oz) linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version)
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For Garnish:

• Extra chopped parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions (Step-by-Step Preparation Method)

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

4. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

7. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
8. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not burn).
9. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
10. Stir in lemon juice and zest.

Step 4: Combine Everything

11. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing in the garlic-butter sauce.
12. Add shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat.
13. If the pasta feels too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

14. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and garnish with Parmesan if desired.
15. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve

Serve warm with a side of crusty garlic bread and a light salad. For a full Italian-inspired meal, pair it with a glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe Tips

• Use large fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook very quickly!
• Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference compared to bottled.

Variations

• Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce before tossing the pasta.
• Spicy Scampi: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Vegetable Boost: Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
• Whole-Wheat or Gluten-Free: Swap linguine with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery after thawing.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pasta pot
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander
• Lemon zester

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: What can I substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth works well.

Q3: Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine?
Absolutely—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair all work.

Q4: How do I make it extra saucy?
Add an extra 2 tbsp butter and ¼ cup pasta water while tossing.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is the perfect balance of elegance and ease—a dish that looks impressive, tastes luxurious, but comes together in less than 30 minutes. With its bright garlic-lemon-butter flavors, tender shrimp, and silky pasta, it’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to please whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a romantic dinner for two.