If you love quick and tasty meals, shrimp scampi linguine is for you. This dish is packed with flavor and super easy to make. You’ll find fresh shrimp tossed with garlic, butter, and herbs over a bed of tender linguine. In this blog, I’ll guide you through simple steps, tips, and variations. Let’s dive in and create this delicious dinner that’s sure to impress!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon and garlic elevates the dish, giving it a refreshing and vibrant taste that's perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Healthy and Delicious: With lean protein from shrimp and the goodness of olive oil and garlic, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add extra veggies or ingredients, making it versatile for different tastes.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make Shrimp Scampi Linguine, gather these items:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Ingredient Notes
Each ingredient plays a role in flavor. The linguine holds the sauce well. Large shrimp add a nice bite. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste. Olive oil and butter create a rich base. Lemon juice brings brightness and balance. Red pepper flakes add a kick. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Parmesan cheese, while optional, adds depth.
Suggested Substitutions
You can swap ingredients if needed:
- Use spaghetti instead of linguine for a different shape.
- Frozen shrimp works well; just thaw them first.
- If you don’t have butter, use more olive oil.
- Try lime juice instead of lemon for a twist.
- Use dried parsley if fresh is not available, but fresh is best.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Linguine
First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 8 oz of linguine pasta to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This may take about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Preparing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Heat it over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute. Make sure not to burn the garlic; it should smell great. Next, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done.
Combining Ingredients
After the shrimp is cooked, stir in the zest and juice from 1 lemon. Now, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together well. This helps the pasta soak up the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add more of the pasta water a little at a time. Off the heat, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley on top. Toss gently to mix it all together.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp
To get the best shrimp, buy fresh or frozen shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and pink. Avoid shrimp that smell strong or look dull. When cooking shrimp, keep an eye on them. They cook quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes. Remove them from heat once they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Always season your shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking. This simple step adds great flavor.
Pasta Cooking Secrets
Cooking pasta well takes practice. Start with a large pot of salted water. This helps the pasta absorb flavor. Bring the water to a full boil before adding the linguine. Cook until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. Save some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce later. If your pasta seems dry, add a splash of this water to keep it moist.
Enhancing Flavor Options
Want to boost the flavor of your shrimp scampi linguine? Try adding more herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of lemon zest brings brightness too. You can also play with spices. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. If you like, toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and nutrition. Lastly, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese makes this dish even richer.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp and high-quality garlic for the best flavor in your dish.
- Don't Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they are pink and opaque to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Adjusting Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency; it helps bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
Variations
Shrimp Scampi with Other Pastas
You can use many types of pasta for shrimp scampi. Try fettuccine or spaghetti for a twist. Each pasta shape holds the sauce differently, giving you new flavors. I love using penne because it catches the sauce well. Experiment with what you have on hand.
Adding Vegetables or Proteins
You can boost shrimp scampi by adding veggies. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work great. Just sauté them with garlic before adding shrimp. You can also try chicken or scallops if you want more protein. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting.
Gluten-Free or Low-Calorie Options
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste good. If you want it low-calorie, try zucchini noodles. They add a nice crunch and soak up the sauce. Both options keep the dish healthy without losing flavor.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your shrimp scampi linguine, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid fits well to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This dish tastes great the next day, too!
Reheating Instructions
When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, use a skillet for the best results. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often until it's warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking.
Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze shrimp scampi linguine, make sure it is fully cooled. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible. This dish can last up to two months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil for moisture.
FAQs
What is Shrimp Scampi Linguine?
Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a pasta dish. It features shrimp cooked in garlic and lemon. The dish uses linguine, a long, flat pasta. It gets tossed with a rich sauce made from olive oil and butter. The flavor is bright and fresh, thanks to lemon juice and zest. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. This dish is quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw it first. Placing it in the fridge overnight works well. If you are in a hurry, you can run it under cold water. After thawing, peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Using frozen shrimp saves time and is often just as tasty.
How long does it take to make Shrimp Scampi Linguine?
Shrimp Scampi Linguine takes about 20 minutes to make. You can prep the ingredients in 10 minutes. Cooking the pasta and shrimp takes about 10 minutes. This quick dish is perfect for busy nights or when you want something delicious fast.
Is Shrimp Scampi difficult to make?
No, Shrimp Scampi is not hard to make. The steps are simple and straightforward. If you can boil water, you can make this dish. It’s a great recipe for beginner cooks. With a little practice, you will make it perfectly each time.
This blog post covered all you need to know to make Shrimp Scampi Linguine. We explored the key ingredients and possible swaps. I shared step-by-step cooking tips, making it simple to prepare. You learned about tasty variations and how to store leftovers.
In the end, Shrimp Scampi Linguine is easy to love. With these tips, you can make it just right. Happy cooking!
