Garlic Butter Shrimp with Linguine

DifficultyBeginner

Succulent shrimp are sautéed in garlic butter, white wine, and lemon, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine for a luxurious and flavorful shrimp scampi. This quick yet elegant meal is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Linguine
Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time30 mins
For the Pasta
 12 oz linguine
 Salt (for pasta water)
For the Shrimp Scampi
 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
 3 tbsp unsalted butter
 2 tbsp olive oil
 6 cloves garlic (minced)
 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
 ½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
 Salt and black pepper to taste
 ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
 Extra lemon wedges for serving
Cook the Linguine
1
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Cook linguine until al dente (according to package instructions).

  • Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp
2
  • While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add shrimp in a single layer (do in batches if needed).

  • Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.

  • Remove shrimp and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
3
  • Lower heat to medium, add garlic and red pepper flakes.

  • Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown the garlic).

  • Deglaze the pan with white wine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced.

  • Add lemon zest and juice, stir to combine.

Finish the Dish
4
  • Return shrimp to skillet.

  • Add drained linguine and toss everything together.

  • If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  • Finish with chopped parsley.

Serve
5
  • Serve hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side and optional grated Parmesan.

Pairing Suggestions
6
  • Wine: Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Chardonnay.

  • Salad: Arugula or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette.

  • Bread: Crusty garlic bread or ciabatta to mop up the sauce.

Tips & Notes
7
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can become rubbery.

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

  • To make it creamier, add a splash of heavy cream before adding the linguine.

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients

For the Pasta
 12 oz linguine
 Salt (for pasta water)
For the Shrimp Scampi
 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
 3 tbsp unsalted butter
 2 tbsp olive oil
 6 cloves garlic (minced)
 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
 ½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
 Salt and black pepper to taste
 ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
 Extra lemon wedges for serving
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Linguine