Go Back

Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Indulge in this classic Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Linguine, a perfect blend of succulent shrimp and al dente pasta tossed in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce. This restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot (4-6 quart capacity, for boiling pasta)
  • 1 Large skillet or frying pan (12-inch diameter)
  • 1 Colander (for draining pasta)
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp chef's knife
  • 1 Garlic press (optional, for mincing garlic)
  • 1 Zester or fine grater (for lemon zest)
  • 1 Set of measuring cups
  • 1 Set of measuring spoons
  • 1 Wooden spoon or pair of tongs (for stirring and tossing)
  • 1 Medium plate or bowl (for setting aside cooked shrimp)
  • 1 Cup or ladle (1-cup capacity, for reserving pasta water)
  • 4 Serving plates

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 14 oz linguine pasta (about 4 cups cooked) [400 g]

Shrimp

  • 1.3 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined [600 g]

Sauce Base

  • ¼ cup cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio) OR vegetable broth

Flavoring and Garnish

  • 2 whole lemons (juice and zest)
  • ½ cup cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for dairy-free version)
  • As needed Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • As needed Lemon slices for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients

  • Bring 4 quarts (16 cups) of salted water to a boil in a large pot (about 1 tbsp of salt).
  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cook Shrimp

  • Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  • Cook shrimp in a single layer (in batches if necessary) for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and curved
  • Remove shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm

Make Sauce

  • Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp butter.
  • Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add wine (or broth), reduce by half (2-3 minutes).
  • Stir in lemon juice and zest, simmer for 1 minute.

Cook Pasta

  • While making the sauce, cook pasta al dente per package instructions.
  • Reserve 1 cup of cooking water before draining.

Combine and Serve

  • Return shrimp to the skillet with sauce, heat for 1 minute.
  • Add drained pasta and 1/2 cup reserved cooking water. Toss to coat.
  • Incorporate remaining 1 tbsp butter and chopped parsley. Add more cooking water if needed.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Serve immediately on warm plates, garnished with Parmesan (if using) and lemon slices.
Keyword easy dinner recipe, garlic shrimp pasta, Italian seafood pasta, lemon garlic shrimp, linguine with shrimp, quick seafood dinner, restaurant-style pasta, shrimp scampi, weeknight pasta dish, white wine pasta sauce