Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is the perfect Italian dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights, and elegant enough for special occasions. Tender shrimp is sautéed in a classic lemon, garlic and butter sauce and served over linguine. It’s as easy as it is delicious!

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
• 🔪 How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
• 💡 What are some tips for making shrimp scampi?
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• What is the sauce of shrimp scampi made of?
• What are some common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp scampi?
• What is a traditional shrimp scampi?
• What's the secret to a flavorful scampi?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Pasta Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Tender jumbo shrimp
• Simmered in a classic lemon, garlic and butter sauce
• Served over linguine
• Made in just 15 minutes
• Easy enough for busy weeknights, elegant enough for special occasions

This Shrimp Scampi is the perfect quick and easy dinner that takes just 15 minutes to make. It uses just a handful of simple ingredients and is so easy, even the least experienced cook can make it.

It all starts with sautéed jumbo shrimp, made into a scrumptious garlic butter sauce that has a punch of fresh lemon flavor. Linguine is boiled, then finishes cooking in the sauce to soak up all that incredible flavor and tossed with the shrimp.

If you are short on time, but need a quick and easy dinner that will impress, try this recipe, you will not regret it!

🛒 Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

• Shrimp
• Linguine
• White wine
• Butter
• Lemon
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Parsley
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large pot
• Large skillet

🔪 How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

Heat a large pot of water to boil, then add in a few teaspoons of salt and boil the linguine just before it reaches al dente. It will finish cooking another 2 minutes in the sauce.

While the linguine is boiling, heat a large skillet to medium, add in the olive oil, shrimp, half the salt and pepper.

Sauté for about 1-2 minutes on each side, making sure not to completely cook them.  They will also finish cooking in the sauce, so you want them slightly undercooked.

Remove the shrimp and set them aside, then add in the garlic. 

Sauté for about 30 seconds, then pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan.

Allow it to reduce slightly, then add in the lemon zest, lemon juice, butter and the remaining salt.

Simmer for a 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken a little, then add the shrimp back in and toss to coat them in the sauce.

Strain the linguine and add it in the skillet over the shrimp. 

Toss to combine and cook for 2 minutes or until the linguine is al dente (slightly firm to the bite).

Remove from the skillet and serve with lemon slices and the chopped parsley over the top.

💡 What are some tips for making shrimp scampi?

• Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to use. This dish comes together really quickly and you don't want to overcook the shrimp or the linguine, as you are chopped or prepping other ingredients. Having everything ready will prevent that from happening.
• Don't overcook the linguine! In fact, you will want to drain it before it's al dente because it will continue cooking in the sauce. You don't want to end up with mushy pasta.
• Drain the linguine well, so it doesn't water down your sauce.
• The same applies to the shrimp. If you cook it too much initially, it will become rubbery when you add it back into the skillet with the sauce.
• Serve right away. This dish is best when it's served as soon as it's ready. As it sits, it will begin to absorb all the sauce.
• Timing is everything- your water should be ready to boil before you start cooking the shrimp. The shrimp cooks so fast, you'll want to add the linguine as soon as the sauce is ready, otherwise it will reduce as it simmers and you won't have enough.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

🍴 What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi

• Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Easy Bruschetta
• Sautéed Spinach with Pancetta
• Chopped Caprese Salad

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• If you don't have linguine on hand, you can use thin spaghetti, orzo, penne or just about any other pasta that you like.
• If you're trying to keep your carbs low, you can serve the scampi over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead.
• To add a little kick of heat, add in ½-1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Add in a handful of fresh baby spinach, steamed asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• You can make this same exact recipe with scallops, instead of shrimp if you'd like.

What is the sauce of shrimp scampi made of?

Scampi sauce is made from garlic, butter, olive oil, parsley and the flavors left behind in the pan. Those flavors are the base for this sauce.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp scampi?

Adding in the pasta when it's already cooked through. Doing so misses the opportunity for the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce and absorbing those flavors. Overcooking the shrimp is another common mistake, and not just with this dish. Shrimp cooks within a couple of minutes and can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked and rubbery in seconds.

What is a traditional shrimp scampi?

This recipe is about as traditional as it gets! Olive oil, garlic, butter, lemon, parsley and of course shrimp are all classic ingredients for scampi.

What's the secret to a flavorful scampi?

Allowing the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce gives it great flavor. Having enough garlic is also key- never skimp on the garlic, especially in Italian dishes!

🍽️ More Delicious Pasta Recipes

• Penne Arrabbiata
• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
• Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Shells
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Penne Alla Vodka