Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine

$- 8 ounces linguine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 fresh lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh and quality items make a big difference. The shrimp should be large, firm, and pink. Look for the best pasta; I love using linguine for this dish. The garlic adds a lovely aroma. Don't skip the lemon zest; it brightens the flavors. Keep your parsley fresh for garnish. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you want it spicy, add more. If you prefer it mild, use less. The butter and olive oil blend well to create a rich sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice touch. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both simple and tasty. Enjoy the process as you prepare this delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. 2. Cook the linguine according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. 3. Just before you drain the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Wait for the butter to melt completely and mix well with the oil. 2. Add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not brown. 3. Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Season them well with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. 1. After the shrimp is cooked, incorporate the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet. Stir well to mix the flavors. 2. Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the garlic shrimp sauce. 3. If the sauce seems too dry, slowly pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Adjust until you reach your desired sauce consistency. By following these steps, you’ll create a savory shrimp scampi linguine that is simple yet tasty. To cook shrimp evenly, start with fresh, high-quality shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This step helps them cook faster and ensures a better texture. Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, giving them space. This helps them cook evenly. To know when shrimp is properly cooked, look for a pink color. They should be opaque and firm to the touch. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you overcook shrimp, they become rubbery. So, keep an eye on them! Adjusting spice levels is easy with red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon, and taste the sauce. If you want more heat, add a bit more. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out! Finding the right lemon balance is key. The zest adds a bright flavor. The juice gives a fresh, tangy taste. Start with two tablespoons of lemon juice and adjust based on your taste. Too much can overpower the dish. For a great presentation, serve the shrimp scampi linguine in shallow bowls. This makes it easy to see the colorful shrimp and herbs. A sprinkle of parsley on top adds a nice touch. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side. It looks nice and lets people add more lemon if they want. You can also add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. A beautiful dish makes eating more enjoyable! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are cooked just until they are pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so watch them closely. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. It’s starchy and can help adjust the sauce's consistency without adding extra oil. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can elevate your dish and make it more vibrant. Adjust Spice to Taste: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it spicier. {{image_4}} You can brighten your shrimp scampi linguine by adding vegetables. Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work well. Simply chop them up and sauté them with garlic before adding the shrimp. Spinach or tomatoes also enhance the dish. For spinach, toss it in just before you mix in the pasta. The heat will wilt it perfectly. For tomatoes, use cherry tomatoes. Cut them in half and add them at the same time as the shrimp. They’ll add a nice pop of color and flavor. If you want to change it up, swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. Chicken thighs work best. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them until golden. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Scallops are another tasty choice. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque. Remember, cooking time can vary, so keep an eye on them. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free linguine. Many brands taste great and cook up well. Just follow package instructions for cooking time. You might need to adjust the sauce a bit. Gluten-free pasta can become mushy, so watch it closely. If it seems too dry, add a little extra olive oil or pasta water to keep it flavorful and moist. To keep your shrimp scampi linguine fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the dish to cool to room temperature. - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. Proper storage helps keep the flavors intact and the dish safe to eat. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, here are the best ways to reheat: - Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. - You can also microwave it in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They can turn rubbery if heated too long. Aim for just warming through. Yes, you can freeze shrimp scampi linguine! Here’s how: - Pack it in a freezer-safe container. - Leave some space at the top for expansion. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Always reheat until it’s hot all the way through. This method helps keep the shrimp and pasta tasty. You can serve shrimp scampi linguine with a few tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread: This adds a nice crunch. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or asparagus work well. - Caesar salad: Crisp romaine with dressing brings freshness. - Wine: A glass of white wine pairs nicely. Try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Yes, you can prep shrimp scampi linguine ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the pasta: You can cook it a few hours before. Just toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking. - Make the sauce: You can prepare the shrimp scampi sauce earlier too. Store it in the fridge. - Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, heat the sauce and add the pasta. It takes just a few minutes. Check the shrimp for these signs to know they are done: - Color: Raw shrimp is gray. Cooked shrimp turns pink and opaque. - Shape: Shrimp will curl slightly as they cook. - Time: Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. These tips will help you cook shrimp perfectly every time. This recipe for shrimp scampi linguine blends simple ingredients and techniques for a tasty dish. You learned how to cook linguine and prepare a flavorful shrimp sauce. I shared tips for perfect shrimp, flavor balance, and appealing presentation. Remember, you can customize this dish by adding veggies or trying different proteins. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy if you follow my guidelines. Enjoy making this dish, and don't be afraid to experiment with it!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine

A delicious and easy shrimp scampi dish served with linguine pasta, infused with garlic butter and lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

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 extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 unit zest of fresh lemon
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
for serving freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and mix with the oil. Once combined, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, and season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping them when they turn pink and opaque (the shrimp should be fully cooked through).
Next, incorporate the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet, stirring everything together well to harmonize the flavors.
Add the drained linguine directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the garlic shrimp sauce. If you find the mixture is too dry, slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley, allowing it to distribute evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary.
Serve the dish immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for an extra touch of richness.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve your linguine in shallow bowls, and top with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zesty finish.

Keyword butter, garlic, linguine, pasta, shrimp