This easy Shrimp Scampi is truly restaurant quality! Simple to make with juicy shrimp and tossed in a garlic and lemon butter sauce with white wine and paired with linguine. It's perfect for a special occasion or quick weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt and cook the pasta according to your package directions.
1 pound linguine
Carefully remove ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta into a colander.
Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
1 pound medium shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Add the shrimp to the heated pan and saute it for 2 minutes.
Then flip the shrimp over and cook it for an additional minute.
Add the butter and garlic to the pan, stirring until the butter has melted and garlic is fragrant.
3 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic
Add the white wine, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes and bring the sauce to a low simmer
⅓ cup white wine, Juice of one lemon, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Then add the pasta into the shrimp and sauce and stir to coat well.
If the sauce is dry than desired, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water and stir it in.
Remove the scampi from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Notes
Shrimp are best enjoyed on the day they are cooked but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Use another pasta you'l like. Spaghetti, angel hair and fettuccine are all wonderful too.Skip the pasta and serve over polenta or grits or with a side of crusty bread.Use butter or canola oil to cook the shrimp if desired. Use any size shrimp you prefer.Add more garlic if you'd like. Be sure to mince your own fresh garlic for the best flavors! You can certainly use pre-minced garlic if you'd like.Choose a wine that not too sweet and not too buttery like a Chardonnay or a white BurgundyAdd more or less red pepper flakes to fit your preferred taste.