Are you ready to transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary? Prepare to be swept away by the most mouthwatering, restaurant-quality Shrimp Scampi that will have your family begging for seconds! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked linguine, and a luxurious garlic-butter sauce that will transport you straight to the coastlines of Italy with just one bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add linguine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until it starts to foam and become fragrant.
- Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring each serving has an equal amount of shrimp and pasta.
Tips
- Pat those shrimp completely dry before cooking - this is the secret to achieving that beautiful golden sear!
- Use fresh garlic and don't let it burn - it should be fragrant, not bitter.
- Reserve pasta water is your sauce's best friend - it helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink - overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor profile.
- Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable - it brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the butter.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the perfect texture and temperature of your scampi.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 220mg
