Romantic Shrimp Scampi Linguine (Printable version)

Luxurious Italian-American pasta featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine with al dente linguine.

# What you'll need:

→ Pasta

01 - 7 oz linguine

→ Seafood

02 - 9 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Aromatics & Flavor

03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1/3 cup dry white wine
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
14 - Lemon wedges

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then thoroughly drain the linguine.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter and the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
03 - Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate.
04 - To the same skillet, add the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice. Increase the heat slightly and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Allow the liquid to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it has slightly reduced.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the lemon zest. Toss gently to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Add the drained linguine, the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and half of the finely chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to create a luxurious, silky sauce that coats the pasta.
06 - Serve the Romantic Shrimp Scampi with Linguine immediately. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese (if desired), and fresh lemon wedges for an appealing presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels incredibly fancy and indulgent, but you'll have it on the table in under 30 minutes.
  • The vibrant lemon and fresh parsley truly cut through the richness, leaving you feeling satisfied, not heavy.
02 -
  • Never, ever overcrowd your pan when cooking shrimp; they'll steam instead of sear, resulting in tough texture.
  • That reserved pasta water is pure gold; it helps create a luscious, emulsified sauce that coats every strand of linguine beautifully.
03 -
  • Invest in good quality shrimp; the taste and texture difference will be noticeable and worth every penny.
  • Never rinse your cooked pasta; the starch clinging to it is vital for helping the sauce emulsify and adhere beautifully.

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