Introduction
The Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe with Linguine is a fast and flavorful seafood pasta. It brings together tender shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, and a splash of lemon. Tossed with linguine, it turns into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish you can make in minutes.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. You only need a few simple ingredients, and it cooks fast. Plus, it’s light, fresh, and full of zesty flavor.
The garlic butter sauce soaks into the pasta and coats each shrimp beautifully. A touch of lemon and fresh parsley brings it all together. You can even tweak the recipe to suit your taste—add spice, skip the wine, or try gluten-free pasta.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make the best shrimp scampi recipe with linguine step by step. It’s easy, fast, and full of flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Shrimp Scampi
To make the best shrimp scampi recipe with linguine, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and helps build a delicious garlic butter sauce.
1. Fresh or Frozen Shrimp
Use medium or large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. You can use frozen shrimp—just thaw them first.
2. Linguine Pasta
Linguine is perfect for shrimp scampi. It holds the sauce well. You can also use spaghetti or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
3. Garlic Cloves
Garlic gives shrimp scampi its rich, bold flavor. Use fresh garlic and mince it finely for the best taste.
4. Unsalted Butter and Olive Oil
Butter adds creaminess. Olive oil gives the sauce a smooth finish. Use both to balance flavor and texture.
5. Lemon Juice, Zest, and Broth
Lemon juice and zest add a fresh, zesty flavor that balances the buttery sauce. For extra depth, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of wine. It still brings rich flavor without any alcohol.
These simple ingredients come together fast and create an amazing shrimp scampi with linguine. Now let’s move on to how to cook it step by step.
How to Cook Shrimp Scampi Step-by-Step
Making shrimp scampi with linguine is fast and simple. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.
1. Boil the Linguine Until Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute, just until it smells fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
3. Add Shrimp and Cook Until Pink
Place the shrimp in the pan. Cook them for 1–2 minutes on each side. They should curl and turn pink and opaque when ready. Remove them from heat if they’re done before the sauce is ready.
4. Pour in Broth and Lemon Juice to Deglaze
Add chicken or vegetable broth along with fresh lemon juice to the pan. Stir well and scrape the bottom to release any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Toss in Cooked Pasta and Let It Absorb the Sauce
Put the linguine back into the pan. Add the shrimp. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Let it simmer for one more minute to absorb all the flavor.
You’ve just made a fresh, flavorful garlic butter shrimp scampi in no time. Ready for the next tips?
Tips to Elevate Your Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Want to make your shrimp scampi with linguine even better? These simple tips can boost the flavor and texture of your dish.
1. Use High-Quality Shrimp
Always choose fresh or wild-caught shrimp if possible. They taste better and have a firmer texture. Avoid shrimp that smell fishy or look mushy.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very fast—usually in just 2–3 minutes. Watch closely. When they curl and turn pink, take them off the heat right away.
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes for a Spicy Kick
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Add them with the garlic while sautéing. A little goes a long way.
4. Finish with Fresh Parsley and Grated Parmesan
Chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Parmesan cheese gives the dish a salty, savory finish. Use both for a complete flavor.
5. Save Pasta Water to Adjust Sauce Consistency
Before draining the linguine, save half a cup of the pasta water. Add it slowly to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. It also helps everything stick together.
With these tips, your garlic butter shrimp scampi pasta will taste just like a dish from your favorite restaurant. Let’s check out some fun variations next!
Variations and Substitutions to Try
There are many ways to change up your shrimp scampi with linguine. Try these simple swaps to fit your taste or diet.
1. Use Spaghetti or Fettuccine Instead of Linguine
Linguine is great, but don’t worry if you don’t have it. Spaghetti or fettuccine works just as well. They also hold the garlic butter sauce nicely.
2. Make It Creamy by Adding a Splash of Heavy Cream
Want a rich and creamy sauce? Add a small splash of heavy cream after the wine or broth. Stir well and let it thicken slightly.
3. Go Low-Carb with Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
If you’re cutting carbs, skip the pasta. Use spiralized zucchini instead. Zoodles are light, fresh, and perfect with shrimp and garlic butter.
4. Replace Wine with Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Don’t want to use wine? That’s totally fine. Use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a tasty and simple alternative.
5. Add Veggies Like Cherry Tomatoes or Spinach
Toss in fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes at the end. They add color, nutrition, and a fresh twist to your shrimp scampi pasta.
These ideas make your dish more flexible and fun. Choose what you love and make it your own. Let’s move on to what you can serve with it!
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
Your shrimp scampi with linguine tastes even better with the right sides. Here are a few easy ideas to complete your meal.
1. Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette
Bread is perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. Toasted garlic bread or a fresh baguette works great. Serve it warm for the best texture.
2. Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A light salad balances the richness of the pasta. Use crisp lettuce and a lemon vinaigrette. It adds freshness and a bit of tang.
3. Roasted Asparagus or Steamed Broccoli
Add color and crunch with green veggies. Roast the asparagus or steam the broccoli. Season with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil.
4. Grilled Lemon Wedges for Garnish
Grill lemon wedges and serve them on the side. Squeeze one over your pasta for an extra citrus kick. It also adds a beautiful touch to the plate.
These sides make your dish feel complete and fresh. Now you’re ready to enjoy the full shrimp scampi pasta experience.
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Recipe
Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g 7 oz linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 250 g 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth or water
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Save 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add to the pan and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and curled.
- Make the sauce: Pour in broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir and let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss well to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Finish and serve: Top with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What pasta works best for shrimp scampi?
Linguine is the classic choice, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work great. You can also try gluten-free pasta if needed.
2. How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are ready when they turn pink, curl slightly, and look opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye.
3. Can I make shrimp scampi creamy?
Absolutely! Add a splash of heavy cream after the wine (or broth) to create a creamy shrimp scampi sauce.
7. What herbs go well with shrimp scampi?
Fresh parsley is the most common choice. You can also add basil or a pinch of thyme for extra flavor.
8. Is shrimp scampi spicy?
Not by default. But if you like heat, you can add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
Conclusion
This shrimp scampi with linguine is quick, easy, and full of flavor. You can make it in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights, special dinners, or whenever you crave seafood pasta.
You can also change it to match your taste. Try it spicy, creamy, or low-carb. No matter how you make it, it always turns out delicious.
Give this garlic butter shrimp scampi a try! If you enjoy it, leave a comment or review below. I’d love to hear how it worked for you.
Need a printable recipe? You can download it right here for easy cooking.
And if you’re looking for more ideas, check out my other seafood recipes and pasta dishes on the blog. There’s something tasty waiting for you!
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