Shrimp Scampi with Linguini: A Classic Italian Delight

Shrimp scampi with linguini is a timeless Italian-American favorite, celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and incredibly satisfying flavor. This dish, featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery, and white wine-infused sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked linguini, is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and skillful execution. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, shrimp scampi with linguini is always a winning choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from selecting the best shrimp to mastering the perfect scampi sauce, ensuring a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

Several factors contribute to the success of this shrimp scampi with linguini recipe:

* **Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh shrimp, garlic, and herbs makes a significant difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
* **Proper Shrimp Preparation:** Deveining and patting the shrimp dry ensures they cook evenly and don’t become rubbery.
* **Balanced Sauce:** The perfect balance of butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice creates a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully.
* **Al Dente Pasta:** Cooking the linguini al dente provides a pleasant texture that holds up well to the sauce.
* **Pasta Water Magic:** Incorporating pasta water into the sauce adds starch and helps it cling to the linguini.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
* **Linguini:** 1 pound
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted
* **Garlic:** 6 cloves, minced
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, fresh
* **Lemon Zest:** 1 teaspoon
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Pasta Water:** 1/2 cup (reserved from cooking the linguini)
* **Optional:** Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Shrimp:** Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely before cooking. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a fresh, clean smell. Size is a matter of preference, but large shrimp (21-25 count) are a good balance between size and tenderness. You can also use jumbo shrimp for a more impressive presentation.
* **Linguini:** While linguini is the classic choice for shrimp scampi, other long pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair can also be used. Choose a high-quality pasta that will hold its shape during cooking.
* **White Wine:** A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works best in this recipe. If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder or pre-minced garlic.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your liking, or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the dish. Italian parsley is preferred, but curly parsley can also be used. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute dried parsley, but use about half the amount.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for the bright, citrusy flavor of the scampi sauce. Use a microplane to zest the lemon, being careful not to grate the white pith, which is bitter.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Colander
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Garlic press (optional)
* Lemon zester
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make perfect shrimp scampi with linguini every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly when cooked.
2. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. If the vein is still present, use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water after deveining.
3. Place the shrimp in a bowl and lightly season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Linguini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be generously salted; it should taste like the sea.
2. Add the linguini to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, or until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and the pasta should be firm and slightly resistant when bitten.
3. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and begin to foam slightly.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly.
3. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
4. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear.
2. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked linguini to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss again. The pasta water will help thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp is tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the sauce. Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** Pasta water is a secret ingredient that helps thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
* **Serve Immediately:** Shrimp scampi is best served immediately, while the shrimp is still tender and the sauce is hot.

Variations and Add-Ins

* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Creamy Scampi:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Lemon Butter Scampi:** Increase the amount of lemon juice and butter for a more pronounced lemon-butter flavor.
* **Garlic Bread Crumbs:** Top the dish with toasted garlic bread crumbs for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Cherry Tomatoes:** Halved cherry tomatoes can be added to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of sweetness and acidity.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **Seafood Medley:** Add other seafood like scallops or mussels to the dish for a more elaborate seafood scampi.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp scampi with linguini is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes:

* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious scampi sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes add a warm and comforting element to the meal.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with shrimp scampi.

Make-Ahead Instructions

While shrimp scampi is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking:

* **Prepare the Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Chop the Parsley:** Chop the fresh parsley up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Scampi Sauce Base:** You can make the scampi sauce base (butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes) up to a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce base and add the shrimp.

However, it is not recommended to cook the shrimp or the pasta ahead of time, as they will lose their texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Conclusion

Shrimp scampi with linguini is a delightful and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and incredible flavor, it’s no wonder this classic Italian-American recipe has remained a favorite for generations. By following this comprehensive guide, you can easily create a restaurant-quality shrimp scampi with linguini in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying meal! Buon appetito!