Shrimp Scampi with Linguine and Lemon

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine and Lemon is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a rich garlic-butter sauce, a hint of white wine, and bright, zesty lemon. Served over perfectly cooked linguine, this dish is both elegant and comforting.

The balance of savory garlic, buttery sauce, fresh herbs, and citrus makes every bite irresistible. Quick to prepare yet impressive in presentation, shrimp scampi is a perfect weeknight dinner, a date-night favorite, or a dish to serve when entertaining guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both quick and sophisticated. The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, while the garlic, lemon, and butter sauce elevates the dish with incredible flavor. The linguine absorbs the buttery, garlicky sauce, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

The bright lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, balancing the flavors perfectly. It’s a dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it my go-to for impressive yet easy dinners.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it’s a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal that you can make at home in under 30 minutes. The combination of shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon is universally appealing and loved by seafood enthusiasts.

Its quick preparation, rich flavor, and elegant presentation make it a perfect centerpiece for dinner, whether for a casual meal or a special occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

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

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500 kcal
• Course: Main Course / Pasta
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken/vegetable broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

Cooking Directions

1. Cook linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in white wine (or broth) and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow butter to melt and sauce to combine.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add cooked linguine and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss gently.
9. Serve immediately with optional Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
2. Season shrimp: Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Cook shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter, sauté shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, then remove.
4. Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to skillet, cook 30 seconds.
5. Deglaze: Pour in white wine or broth, simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Add butter and lemon: Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest.
7. Combine shrimp and pasta: Return shrimp, add linguine, toss to coat, using reserved pasta water if needed.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle parsley and optional Parmesan, serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Scampi with Linguine and Lemon immediately while hot. Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Lemon wedges and extra Parmesan on the side enhance the flavors and presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook shrimp; they become rubbery quickly.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• White wine adds depth, but broth works well if avoiding alcohol.
• Toss pasta in the skillet with shrimp and sauce for better flavor absorption.

Variations

• Spicy Scampi: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Garlic-Butter Only: Skip wine and use extra butter and garlic for a richer, simpler sauce.
• Vegetable Addition: Add asparagus tips, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and color.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for a creamy garlic sauce.
• Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with scallops, chicken strips, or firm tofu for a different twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for pasta dishes with shrimp, as shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep shrimp and sauce, but cook shrimp fresh to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine?
A: Yes, any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Q: Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
A: Fresh lemon juice is preferred for brightness, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine and Lemon is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, bright lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta is irresistible. Its speed, versatility, and impressive flavor make it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining guests. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a light yet satisfying pasta meal.