Weeknight Winner Zesty Shrimp Scampi Linguine 25 Minutes

Weeknight Winner Zesty Shrimp Scampi Linguine 25

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 400 g (14 oz) Linguine or Spaghetti
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Coarse Sea Salt (for pasta water)
• 450 g (1 lb) Large Shrimp (Prawns), peeled, deveined, tails on or off
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 6 Tbsp (85 g) Unsalted Butter, divided
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 6 cloves (approx. 30 g) Garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp (2 g) Red Pepper Flakes (Chili Flakes), adjust to taste
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) Dry White Wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) OR good quality Chicken Stock
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) Reserved Pasta Water
• 3 Tbsp (45 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice (about 1 medium lemon)
• 1/4 cup (10 g) Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (25 g) Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

• Mise en Place: Peel and mince the garlic. Chop the parsley. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring the salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions, until al dente (8-10 minutes).
• Crucial Step: About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
• Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp of the butter and 2 Tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp immediately and set aside.
• Build the Scampi Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Watch carefully—do not let the garlic brown or burn.
• Deglaze and Emulsify: Pour in the white wine (or stock). Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the liquid slightly, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 4 Tbsp of cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
• Combine and Finish: Add the drained pasta, the reserved pasta water, and the fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-low and toss continuously for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully and emulsifies into a smooth, creamy texture.
• Serve: Gently fold the cooked shrimp and half of the chopped parsley back into the pasta mixture. Toss gently for 30 seconds to warm the shrimp through. Transfer immediately to bowls and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and grated Parmesan (if using).

Nutrition Facts

Calories	550 kcal
Protein	35 grams
Fat	25 grams
Carbs	45 grams
Fiber	3 grams
Sodium	300 milligrams

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian-American

The Ultimate Weeknight Winner Recipe

Okay, real talk: When you drag yourself home after a crazy, full-on day, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe.

Honestly, that’s when the takeaway menu starts looking dangerously tempting. Am I right? But you still want something amazing that tastes fresh! This is exactly why I swear by my recipe for Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi .

This dish is my ultimate go-to for satisfying Weeknight Meals . It feels completely gourmet, but it genuinely takes less time to make than arguing about what to watch on telly.

We are talking about getting a beautiful bowl of Shrimp Scampi Pasta on the table in under 30 minutes. Forget the lengthy prep; this is pure, quick cooking magic.

Why This Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a Lifesaver

The history of Shrimp Scampi is actually pretty cool. It’s a wonderful Italian-American classic, born from taking tiny Mediterranean langoustines and applying that beautiful, decadent Garlic Butter Shrimp treatment to big, juicy prawns instead.

This recipe isn't tricky at all. Seriously, if you can boil water and know how to use a Skillet Shrimp Scampi , you can master this dish.

What makes this dish a true Weeknight Winner Recipe ? It’s that insanely addictive, bright Lemon Butter Sauce . You get the richness from the butter, the warmth from the garlic, and that amazing zing from the fresh lemon juice.

My first attempts at making scampi were a disaster, though. I once burned the garlic so badly the entire house smelled like sad disappointment for two days! Lesson learned: timing is everything with the garlic, and I’ll walk you through that crucial 30-second window .

Speed, Flavour, and Easy Prep

This recipe serves four very happy people, using lovely long Pasta Shapes like linguine or spaghetti. Because shrimp is naturally low in fat and absolutely packed with lean protein, you feel great eating it, too.

It’s light, satisfying comfort food that delivers flavour incredibly fast. It proves that a great meal doesn't need fuss; you can be a kitchen hero in a flash.

The secret to that luxurious finish lies entirely in the way we combine the butter and the lemon with reserved pasta water—it creates a creamy, restaurant-quality sauce without any heavy cream.

This is officially the perfect 30 Minute Meal solution for when life gets busy. Now that we've established this is non-negotiable deliciousness, let's quickly look at what exactly we need before we dive into the steps!

The Shopping List: Pantry Heroes for Your Weeknight Winner

Alright, let's talk shop. This Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi doesn't need fancy gear or exotic ingredients. Honestly, the beauty of a proper Shrimp Scampi Pasta is that it’s built on simple, reliable pantry heroes.

I remember thinking I needed a Michelin-star setup to make a truly great Weeknight Winner Recipe . Total rubbish! You only need a few bits to create this flavour bomb.

This is truly the ultimate 30 Minute Meals situation.

What You Need for This Lemon Butter Sauce

The Shrimp is the star, obviously. Grab about 450 g (1 lb) of large ones. Try to get them peeled and deveined if you can.

It saves loads of time on a busy night! Quality indicators matter here: the shrimp should look translucent and firm.

If they smell fishy, walk away. They should smell like the ocean.

For that creamy, incredible Lemon Butter Sauce , you need good quality butter. Not the cheap stuff! You need 6 Tbsp (85 g) of unsalted butter, divided.

Oh, and garlic. Loads of it. Get 6 cloves of fresh garlic and mince it finely, please! Do not skimp on the garlic for truly awesome Garlic Butter Shrimp .

We’ll also need 400 g (14 oz) of Pasta Shapes —linguine or spaghetti are perfect for catching the sauce.

Spices and Substitutions (Keeping it Zesty)

This is where the magic happens and we build the foundation of your Shrimp Scampi . Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable—about 3 Tbsp (45 ml) from one medium lemon.

Use fresh juice; the bottled stuff just won't cut it.

We need a liquid base. If you have dry white wine, go for 120 ml (1/2 cup) . It adds a wonderful depth.

If you don't keep wine handy, that's fine! Just use good quality chicken stock instead. That's my quick substitution tip right there.

For a little kick, use 1/2 tsp (2 g) of red pepper flakes. Don’t worry; it's flavour, not fire! This little spice is crucial for cutting through the richness.

Tools for Your Skillet Scampi

You truly only need two main things for this Skillet Shrimp Scampi . First, a big stockpot (about 6 litres) for your water and the Pasta .

Make sure the water is aggressively salted—it should taste like the sea!

Second, you need a large 12-inch frying pan or skillet . Cast iron is amazing for conducting heat evenly, but honestly, any large non-stick will do the trick.

Tongs are essential, too, for tossing that beautiful sauce and making sure the pasta is fully coated. Skip the fancy gadgets; we are making a proper Weeknight Winner Recipe , not rocket science.

Keeping the equipment simple keeps the clean-up easy.

Your Secret Weapon for Weeknight Meals

Honestly, if you told me five years ago I could make restaurant-quality Shrimp Scampi Pasta in under 30 minutes, I’d have laughed.

But this recipe, the Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi , is the real deal. It’s my ultimate Weeknight Winner Recipe .

It’s bright, zesty, and so fast. This is how you conquer a busy Tuesday night! Did you know 65% of people regret their takeout order? You won't regret making this delicious 30 Minute Meals option.

Getting Ready: Prepping for Scampi Success

The key to speedy cooking is organisation. This is what chefs call mise en place . It just means having all your bits ready before you turn on the heat.

Measure out your ingredients now. Trust me on this. Get that garlic minced, chop the parsley, and squeeze that fresh lemon juice.

Safety reminder: always wash your hands after handling raw shrimp! Now, pat the shrimp completely dry. This is essential for proper searing.

Dry shrimp sear quickly. Wet shrimp steam. We want Skillet Shrimp Scampi texture, not steamed prawns. Cook your chosen Pasta Shapes —linguine is my favourite—but don't forget the cardinal rule of all great Italian cooking: reserve that starchy pasta water! I’ve forgotten this step before.

Oh my gosh, the sauce just won't emufy properly without it. Set aside about half a cup before draining the Pasta .

The Lightning-Fast Garlic Butter Shrimp Method

We are building flavour here, so follow these quick timings closely.

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 2 Tbsp of butter and the olive oil.
2. Add the dry, seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1– 2 minutes per side only. They should curl into a lovely C-shape. Remove them immediately and set them aside. Overcooked shrimp are tough shrimp.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes. Cook for just 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn!
4. Deglaze the pan with the white wine or stock. Let it bubble for about a minute. Scrape up all those brown bits. That is pure flavour gold.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the remaining cold butter, one tablespoon at a time. This creates the beautiful, luxurious Lemon Butter Sauce .
6. Add the cooked pasta, the reserved pasta water, and the lemon juice. Toss vigorously until the sauce coats everything perfectly. Return the Garlic Butter Shrimp and half the parsley. Toss gently to warm them through. Bob’s your uncle, dinner is done!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Scampi Sauce

Want that sauce to be velvety smooth, not broken and oily? The cold butter trick is everything. Adding the remaining 4 Tbsp of cold butter off the heat, while constantly whisking, creates a stable emuon.

It stops the butter from splitting.

Another huge tip: when you think the shrimp is done, it probably is. They carry on cooking even after you take them out.

You want plump, juicy shrimp, not rubbery chew toys. Seriously, removing them early is a great shortcut to perfect texture.

This method guarantees a fantastic Weeknight Meals option every single time.

Taking Your Skillet Shrimp Scampi to the Next Level

You’ve absolutely smashed the main recipe! Honestly, getting a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes deserves a medal.

This isn't just one of those standard Weeknight Meals ; this is a Weeknight Winner Recipe for life. Before you dive in, let’s talk about a few crucial bits—from what to serve it with to how to avoid that sad, rubbery reheat disaster.

Plating and Pairing Your Perfect Pasta

Look, this is Shrimp Scampi Pasta —it's already a star. But presentation matters! Serve this beauty up in wide, shallow bowls so the glorious, bright yellow Lemon Butter Sauce really pools at the bottom.

I always keep a wedge of lemon on the side. When I first started making Skillet Shrimp Scampi , I forgot the garnish once.

Big mistake! A sprinkle of fresh parsley is essential. It adds colour and a much-needed fresh lift.

And the sides? Don't forget the soaker! You need proper crusty bread, ideally a baguette. That bread is mandatory for mopping up every last drop of that incredible Garlic Butter Shrimp sauce.

It’s practically a crime to waste it.

Leftovers and Storage Savvy

Now, for the big question: how do you store this without ruining the lovely texture of the shrimp? Seafood leftovers can be tricky, you know?

Refrigerate any extras immediately in an airtight container. They are typically good for up to 2 days. When you reheat, use the skillet again over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of water or stock—or, if you’re feeling fancy, a tiny pat of butter—to re-emufy the sauce. Don’t blast it! That’s how you get rubbery shrimp.

Gentle warmth is the key to enjoying your 30 Minute Meals later. Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it, honestly. The pasta texture just gets weird when thawed.

Mixing Up Your Pasta Shapes

One of the best things about making Shrimp Scampi is how flexible it is. Did you run out of linguine? No sweat.

This sauce works beautifully with other Pasta Shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even pappardelle.

If you’re looking for a seasonal twist, try tossing in some halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking, just before you add the shrimp back in.

They burst slightly and add a beautiful tang that complements the lemon. For dietary changes, you can totally swap the regular Pasta for a gluten-free option.

I’ve tried lentil pasta before, and it holds up great!

The Good Stuff: Nutrition Notes

This meal isn't just lightning-fast; it’s actually really good for you. Shrimp are basically protein superheroes, packed with nutrients and low in saturated fat.

You’re getting a huge boost of protein here, which keeps you feeling full and energetic. Plus, all that garlic? It's been used for centuries for its incredible health benefits—I read somewhere that one study found garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting certain bacteria.

Pretty chuffed about that!

If you were looking for the perfect, lightning-fast dinner solution, congratulations, you found it. Enjoy your wonderful bowl of homemade Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi !