Craving Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine? Try This Foolproof Recipe

Indulge in the culinary delight of shrimp scampi over linguine, a classic Italian dish that tantalizes taste buds with its succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and rich buttery sauce. This comprehensive guide will lead you through every step of creating this mouthwatering masterpiece, empowering you to impress your loved ones or savor a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 pound linguine pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package directions.
3. Drain the pasta once al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Make the Scampi Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. If desired, deglaze the pan with dry white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.
5. Add the parsley and basil to the skillet and stir to combine.

Combine the Sauce and Pasta

1. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the scampi sauce.
2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
3. Add reserved pasta cooking water as needed to create a desired sauce consistency.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the shrimp scampi over linguine to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional parsley or basil, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and savor the delectable flavors.

Tips for Success

• Use large shrimp for a more satisfying bite.
• Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.
• If you do not have dry white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or water.
• Add a touch of lemon zest or juice to the sauce for extra brightness.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Scampi: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor.
• Lemon-Herb Scampi: Use a combination of lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary in the sauce.
• Seafood Scampi: Add other seafood, such as scallops or mussels, to the shrimp scampi.

“Endnote”

Embrace the culinary adventure of creating shrimp scampi over linguine, a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With these detailed instructions and tips, you can confidently master this classic Italian delicacy and impress your loved ones with your culinary prowess. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a journey of culinary delight.