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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Linguine

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A fast and flavorful shrimp scampi linguine recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The garlic butter sauce with lemon and a hint of chili flakes creates a rich, comforting dish that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes on one side until just pink. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Shrimp should be opaque but tender. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Return shrimp to skillet. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss to coat shrimp well in the sauce.
  6. Add cooked linguine directly into the skillet, tossing gently. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you get a silky sauce that clings to the noodles and shrimp.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately with extra parsley sprinkled on top and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender. Use fresh garlic and avoid browning it to prevent bitterness. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances richness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. White wine can be replaced with low-sodium chicken broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, linguine recipe, quick dinner, easy shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, garlic butter sauce

Find it online: https://evabake.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-scampi-linguine-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner/