Better Than Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi
This Better Than Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi is loaded with juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, butter, lemon, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of red pepper flakes for the perfect kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality seafood pasta is easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces linguine
- 1½ pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 6 tablespoons butter.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Add cooked linguine and ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat.
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Add additional pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp.
- Reserve pasta water to create a restaurant-style silky sauce.
- Increase the red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
- Pinot Grigio is an excellent wine choice for shrimp scampi.