Garlicky Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Tender shrimp and silky linguine tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with fresh lemon, Parmesan, and parsley. This quick and comforting pasta dish delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes.

🍤 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Drain the linguine and set aside.

2. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Season with salt and black pepper.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate. Avoid overcooking them.

4. Make the Garlic Scampi Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the remaining butter to the same skillet.

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using.

Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Add Lemon and Pasta

Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.

Add the cooked linguine and toss thoroughly with the sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches a silky consistency.

6. Add the Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Toss gently for 1–2 minutes, just until everything is hot and well coated.

🍋 Serve

Transfer the linguine and shrimp to serving plates.

Finish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, a little lemon zest, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.

Serve immediately with warm garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

⭐ Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes.
• Use freshly minced garlic for the strongest flavor.
• Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify the butter and sauce.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly.
• For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter just before serving.
• If you don’t use wine, chicken broth works well as a substitute.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Sautéed spinach
• Crusty Italian bread

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian-American
Method: Stovetop