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- 8 ounces linguine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil Linguine pasta is a long, flat noodle. It holds sauce well. Large shrimp give a nice bite. Butter and olive oil create a rich sauce. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Garlic adds a fragrant base. Red pepper flakes bring heat. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Lemon zest gives bright flavor. Fresh lemon juice adds tang. Parmesan cheese makes the dish creamy and rich. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means the pasta should still be firm when you bite it. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water will help create the sauce later. After reserving, drain the pasta and set it aside. For the shrimp, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great. Now, add 1 pound of large shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Next, it’s time to mix in flavor. Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This adds a bright taste to your dish. Now, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the garlic shrimp sauce. If it seems too dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you find the right consistency. Finish by stirring in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Choosing the right shrimp Pick large shrimp for this dish. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild smell. Fresh or frozen shrimp works well. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Cooking tips for shrimp Cook shrimp in medium heat. This keeps them tender. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; it can steam them instead of searing. Each side needs only 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque. Adjusting spice levels Love heat? Add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild, use less. You can also skip them altogether. Adjust according to your taste for the perfect balance. Additional herbs and seasonings Fresh herbs brighten the dish. In addition to parsley, try basil or thyme. A dash of white wine adds depth. You can also mix in capers for a salty kick. Serving suggestions Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side salad can add freshness to the meal. Presentation tips for a beautiful dish Use a large, shallow bowl for serving. Twirl the linguine in the center for height. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley for color. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a tasty finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp rather than frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Perfect Pasta: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help to loosen the sauce and create a silky finish when tossed with the linguine. Garlic Timing: Add garlic to the pan after the butter has melted to prevent it from burning. Overcooked garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish's flavor. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick! {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta for shrimp scampi. While linguine is great, try fettuccine or spaghetti. Both will hold the sauce well. If you want a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. These choices still deliver a tasty meal. To boost flavor, add fresh veggies. Spinach wilts nicely in the sauce. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet pop. You can also explore regional scampi styles. For instance, Italian-style scampi might use white wine. In contrast, a Cajun twist can add spicy sausage. If you aim for a low-fat dish, cut back on butter. Use olive oil instead. You can also swap shrimp for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. This way, you keep the flavor while meeting your diet needs. To store shrimp scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. Glass or plastic containers work well for storing. You can also use heavy-duty plastic bags. Just make sure to squeeze out the air. When reheating, you want to avoid dryness. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat it on low and add a splash of water. This keeps the shrimp moist and flavorful. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps trap steam and keeps the dish juicy. You can freeze shrimp scampi for later. But, it’s best to freeze it without the pasta. Shrimp can lose texture when frozen with noodles. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container. Use it within three months for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it gently on the stove. This helps to keep the flavors intact. Shrimp scampi can last in your fridge for up to three days. To store it well, place it in an airtight container. Always let it cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. When you want to enjoy it again, check for any off smells or changes in texture. Yes, you can prepare shrimp scampi ahead. Cook the linguine and shrimp separately, then combine them later. Store the shrimp and pasta in separate containers. This way, they stay fresh and won’t get mushy. When ready to eat, just warm them up together in a pan. Shrimp scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh green salad for a light touch. - Steamed vegetables for added color and nutrition. - A glass of white wine for a special meal. This article covered how to make a delicious shrimp scampi. We explored key ingredients like linguine, shrimp, and garlic. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the pasta and sautéing shrimp. You learned tips for perfecting flavor, serving, and even useful variations. In closing, shrimp scampi is simple yet elegant. With a few ingredients and some care, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor each bite!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine

A delicious and quick pasta dish featuring shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce, served over linguine.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces linguine pasta
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, mixing well to combine and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the garlic shrimp sauce. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add in reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Finish with chopped parsley, stirring to incorporate. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Keyword butter, garlic, linguine, pasta, shrimp