Shrimp Scampi Linguine

$- 8 ounces linguine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste To make Shrimp Scampi Linguine, you need fresh ingredients. Start with linguine pasta. This type of pasta is perfect for catching the sauce. Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. These shrimp cook quickly and taste great. Garlic and butter add rich flavor. The red pepper flakes give a nice kick. - Grated Parmesan cheese - Extra parsley for garnish For a tasty finish, add grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully over the hot linguine. Extra parsley adds color and freshness. These toppings make the dish even better. - Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes - Lemon juice and zest Don't forget to have salt and pepper ready. They enhance the taste. Red pepper flakes add heat, so adjust to your liking. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. The acidity cuts through the richness, making each bite refreshing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the linguine, first, get a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. The salt makes the pasta taste better. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the linguine but keep about half a cup of the pasta water. This water can help the sauce later. Now, let’s prepare the shrimp. Take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic. Stir it for about one minute until it smells good, but don’t let it burn. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. This shows they are cooked through. Once the shrimp are ready, it's time to combine everything. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Then, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together. If the sauce looks too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until you reach the sauce consistency you like. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Enjoy your delicious shrimp scampi linguine! To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them just right. Shrimp cook fast. They only need about 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking makes them tough. Keep an eye on them while they cook. For the best seasoning, use fresh garlic and herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Red pepper flakes bring a nice kick. If you want more flavor, try adding lemon juice or zest. These brighten the dish. To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or dill work well in shrimp scampi. They add depth and freshness. You can also use white wine or broth for more complexity. A splash of white wine adds a nice touch. It enhances the sauce and pairs well with shrimp. Using a skillet is great for shrimp scampi. It allows even cooking and quick preparation. The heat from the skillet helps blend the flavors fast. If you have a non-stick skillet, use it. It makes clean-up easier. Timing is key in preparation. Have all your ingredients ready before starting. This way, you can cook everything smoothly. The quicker you combine the shrimp and pasta, the better the dish will taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed before cooking. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking can make them tough. Look for them to turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat! Save Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is starchy and will help to thicken your sauce. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can switch the shrimp for scallops or chicken. Scallops offer a sweet, tender bite. They cook quickly, just like shrimp. If you use chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook until golden brown. This keeps it juicy. For a vegetarian twist, try using mushrooms or zucchini. Both soak up flavors well. You can also use plant-based shrimp for a similar taste and texture. These options make the dish fun for everyone. To enhance the taste, add spices or different herbs. A pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth. Fresh basil can bring a bright flavor. Try using thyme for a woodsy touch. Each herb changes the dish’s vibe. You can also swap linguine for other pasta types. Fettuccine or penne works well, too. Gluten-free pasta is also an option. Use what you like best. This keeps the meal exciting. Pair your shrimp scampi linguine with side dishes. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread makes a great side, too. It’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For plating, twirl the pasta into a nest. This gives it a nice look. Top with shrimp and a sprinkle of parsley. Add a light dusting of cheese for extra flair. A slice of lemon on the side looks great and adds freshness. After enjoying your shrimp scampi linguine, store any leftovers right away. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can refrigerate the dish for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat leftovers, you want them to taste great. The best way to reheat shrimp scampi linguine is on the stove. Heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check often to prevent overcooking. In the fridge, shrimp scampi linguine stays good for three days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Signs that your dish is no longer good are off smells, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these, it’s best to toss it out. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you need about 30 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for a weeknight meal. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Frozen shrimp are often convenient and can taste great. Fresh shrimp do have a better texture and flavor, but both options work well. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure to pat them dry before adding to the skillet. You can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne instead of linguine. These pastas will hold the sauce well. For a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. These choices will still give you a tasty dish. Shrimp scampi linguine is a tasty dish made with simple ingredients. You learned about cooking linguine, preparing shrimp, and combining flavors. Remember to use fresh herbs and lemon for a pop of taste. You can also try different proteins or pasta types for variety. Store leftovers wisely to keep them fresh longer. Enjoy this dish with friends or family, and get creative with your own twist! Try it out and savor every bite.$

Indulge in this easy Shrimp Scampi Linguine, a delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. This Linguine Pasta Recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter, ready in just 30 minutes! Elevate your weeknight meals with this flavorful Shrimp Linguine Dinner recipe that’s sure to impress. Save this for your next culinary adventure and enjoy! #ShrimpScampi #LinguineRecipe #EasyShrimp #QuickGarlicShrimp

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Ingredients

8 ounces linguine pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and fold in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve: Plate the linguine and shrimp, topping with grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley for garnish if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4