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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Easy 20-Minute Linguine Dinner

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp scampi served over linguine, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen works fine; thaw ahead)
  • 8 ounces dried linguine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions (about 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry shrimp with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When butter melts and foams, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds without burning.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and lemon juice, stirring until melted and combined. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat in sauce. Add cooked linguine and chopped parsley. Toss until well coated and shrimp are evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Use medium-high heat for best shrimp sear. White wine adds depth but chicken broth is a fine substitute.

Nutrition

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

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