Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta

When it comes to comfort food that delivers on flavor without a hefty time investment, Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta is a showstopper. Picture this: succulent, juicy shrimp are bathed in a rich garlic-infused olive oil sauce, tossed in delicate linguine, and brightened with a zesty hint of fresh lemon. The comforting textures and layers of flavor come together in a matter of minutes, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

One fun fact about shrimp scampi is that it’s believed to have originated in Italy, but in the U.S., it took on a life of its own, becoming a beloved classic. It arguably rivals other popular pasta recipes, such as spaghetti aglio e olio, but with the extra flair that shrimp and a lemony kick provide. You’ll definitely want to keep this on your dinner roster, as it’s bound to impress! Let’s dive into why this dish is special.

What is Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta?

So, what’s with the fancy name of Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta? Scampi is actually Italian for “shrimp,” and so the name translates more or less to “shrimp shrimp.” Funny, right? You would think it’s a dish made only to impress! But you’ll quickly discover that the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach, and this dish is sure to do just that. Imagine dishing this up, and your loved ones asking for seconds! When you serve up this delightful meal, you can expect happy faces all around. Are you ready to explore the magic of shrimp?

Why You’ll Love This Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta

There are three primary reasons you’re going to fall head over heels for Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta. First, it makes a fantastic main dish! The linguine becomes coated in that luscious garlic sauce, creating a meal that is both rich and satisfying. Secondly, cooking at home saves you money while allowing you to tailor this dish to your family’s tastes – plus, you can manipulate the portion sizes! Lastly, the optional flavorful toppings like grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley bring vibrant color and taste to your plate. It’s delicious comfort food that stands tall next to dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, all while being a breeze to whip up.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta

Quick Overview

The great news about Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta is how straightforward it is. You can expect to have this delightful dish on the table in just 30 minutes. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the combination of flavors and textures. Perhaps best of all, this meal is perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty yet light!

Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (as a Halal-friendly substitution for the white wine)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
2. Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (but be careful not to burn the garlic!).
3. Add Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the lemon juice and broth, stirring everything together until combined. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting those flavors mingle.
5. Combine with Pasta: Add in your cooked linguine and the reserved pasta water (starting with a little and adding more as needed) to create a silky sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and heated through.
6. Finishing Touches: Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Shrimp Substitution: You can use smaller shrimp or even scallops for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Timing: Have everything prepped before starting to cook; this will streamline the process and avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Make sure your skillet is sufficiently hot before adding the shrimp; this ensures a nice sear that locks in flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers of Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta, great news! You can refrigerate this dish for up to 3 days. When it comes to reheating, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat. If it seems dry, adding a splash of broth or a bit of olive oil can refresh the dish and keep it delicious. Freezing isn’t recommended for pasta dishes as the texture can suffer, but leftovers can always be enjoyed fresh!

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to whip up a family-friendly meal, Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta is a delightful option that brings a taste of the coast into your kitchen. Simple, quick, and packed with flavor – what’s not to love? Try this recipe today and savor the delectable magic you create!

Easy Shrimp Scampi Lemon Garlic Pasta

A quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce, served over linguine and brightened with fresh lemon.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine pasta Use according to package instructions.
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Shrimp can be substituted with smaller shrimp or scallops.
• 4 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes For added spice, adjust to preference.
• 1 each lemon, juiced Adds brightness to the dish.
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth Can be used as a Halal-friendly substitute for white wine.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish and flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste To season the shrimp.
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Optional topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (but be careful not to burn the garlic!).

Cooking

1. Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
2. Pour in the lemon juice and broth, stirring everything together until combined. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting those flavors mingle.
3. Add in your cooked linguine and the reserved pasta water (starting with a little and adding more as needed) to create a silky sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and heated through.
4. Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can refrigerate this dish for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it in a pan over medium heat. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or olive oil to refresh the dish.