Description
This classic Shrimp Scampi recipe features tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, served over perfectly cooked linguine. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. linguine
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 1/2 lbs uncooked extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 tsp)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
- Prepare the sauce base: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter with olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until just lightly golden. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can develop a bitter taste.
- Add white wine: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to simmer until reduced by half, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, to concentrate the flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single even layer. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn opaque and pink.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss the shrimp and sauce together with the cooked linguine. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary for the desired consistency. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Using dry white wine is essential to achieve the characteristic flavor of scampi; avoid sweet wines.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor—don’t skip it.
- To make the dish spicier, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
