Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
This Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is a delightful and impressively quick meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Valentine's Day. Plump, juicy shrimp are pan-seared and then tossed in a luscious sauce made with fresh garlic, tangy lemon juice, a touch of red pepper flakes, and rich butter, all clinging beautifully to strands of al dente linguine. It's a harmonious blend of simple yet sophisticated flavors that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- 3Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 4Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
- 5Remove the skillet from heat. Gradually whisk in the cubed butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. Stir in half of the chopped fresh parsley.
- 6Add the cooked shrimp and drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- 7Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count or 16-20 count per pound) work best for scampi as they stay plump and juicy. You can use fresh or frozen; if using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the skillet.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is traditional, other long pastas like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta work wonderfully. Short pastas like penne or rotini can also be used if preferred, though they won't hold the sauce in quite the same way.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
The sauce thickens naturally as the butter emulsifies with the broth and lemon juice. If you desire a slightly thicker sauce, you can add a tiny bit of cornstarch slurry (1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to the simmering broth and lemon juice mixture before adding the butter. Cook for a minute until it thickens.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
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