Shrimp Scampi Linguine with White Wine Sauce

Shrimp Scampi Linguine with White Wine Sauce is a timeless Italian-American seafood dish that perfectly balances rich, buttery flavors with bright citrus and aromatic garlic. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a luxurious white wine, lemon, and garlic butter sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine for a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh.

This dish combines the elegance of a fine-dining entrée with the simplicity of a quick home-cooked meal. The silky white wine sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while the shrimp add sweetness and texture that make each bite irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet sophisticated. It feels like something you’d order at a seaside restaurant, but you can make it effortlessly in your own kitchen.

The aroma of sizzling garlic in butter and the splash of white wine creates a sensory experience that’s both comforting and luxurious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it embodies everything you love about Italian coastal cuisine — simplicity, freshness, and bold, clean flavors.

It’s a fantastic way to elevate weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the sauce practically makes itself.

Preparation & Cooking Time

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

Servings

• Serves 4 people

Calories (per serving)

• Approximately 480–520 kcal

Cuisine

• Italian-American

Course

• Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Linguine:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus zest for garnish)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook the linguine, sauté shrimp in garlic butter, deglaze with white wine and lemon, toss with pasta, and serve with parsley and Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add linguine pasta and cook until al dente (follow package directions, usually 8–10 minutes).
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

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

Step 3: Make the White Wine Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).
3. Pour in white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan (scrape up any flavorful bits).
4. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
5. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

1. Add the cooked linguine and shrimp back into the skillet.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
3. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and make it silky.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more lemon juice or salt if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
2. Serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve

Serve this Shrimp Scampi Linguine hot, right from the skillet or in warm pasta bowls.

Perfect pairings:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A chilled glass of dry white wine (the same kind you cooked with)

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use good-quality dry white wine — it makes a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they become rubbery if cooked too long.
• Add a touch of cream or butter at the end for a richer sauce.
• For extra lemon brightness, add zest just before serving.
• Reserve pasta water — it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce naturally.

Variations

1. Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a luscious texture.
2. Garlic Lover’s Scampi: Double the garlic for an intense flavor hit.
3. Spicy Scampi: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
4. Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for color and nutrition.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles (zoodles).

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter.

Freezing:

• Not ideal for freezing (shrimp and pasta can turn mushy), but you can freeze just the cooked shrimp scampi sauce for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Citrus juicer (for lemon juice)
• Microplane or zester (for lemon zest)

FAQ

Q1: What kind of white wine should I use?
Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay — avoid sweet wines.

Q2: Can I substitute the wine?
Yes! Use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Q3: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook them just until pink and opaque (1–2 minutes per side). Remove promptly from heat.

Q4: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed as directed.

Q5: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely — spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair also work wonderfully.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi Linguine with White Wine Sauce is the epitome of simple elegance — a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. The harmony of buttery garlic, bright lemon, and succulent shrimp creates a flavor experience that’s both comforting and refreshing.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for a dinner party. Every bite delivers that classic Italian coastal vibe — light, fragrant, and unforgettable.