Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked linguine, adorned with succulent, tender shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. Cristina's Linguine with Shrimp isn't just another pasta dish—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat your family to a gourmet dinner, or simply indulge in a quick yet elegant Italian feast, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh 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 the linguine 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 the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Drain the cooked linguine and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the delicate blend of garlic, shrimp, and white wine.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp and pat them completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
- Don't overcook the shrimp—they should turn pink and slightly curl, which typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the linguine.
- Use a good quality white wine for cooking—if you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it.
- Chop fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and maximize its aromatic flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture of both pasta and shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
