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Shrimp Scampi Linguine: Easy Romantic Recipe for Perfect Date Night

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This Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a quick, elegant pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, a silky lemon-garlic sauce, and al dente linguine—perfect for a cozy, romantic date night at home. Restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients and endless comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces dried linguine (or spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • Salt (for seasoning pasta water)
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • Pinch kosher salt (for shrimp)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine (pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, or chicken broth)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • Zest from 1 lemon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water before draining. Set linguine aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and barely opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 45 seconds (do not brown garlic).
  5. Pour in white wine and simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Let reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Return shrimp (and any juices) to the pan. Toss to coat and simmer 1 minute to warm shrimp through.
  7. Add drained linguine and 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water. Toss everything until glossy and well combined.
  8. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove them as soon as they turn pink and finish in the sauce for best texture. Use fresh garlic and good-quality wine for optimal flavor. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. For gluten-free, use GF pasta; for dairy-free, use vegan butter and skip Parmesan. Add extra veggies or swap shrimp for scallops for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, linguine, date night, romantic dinner, pasta, seafood, easy recipe, Italian, garlic, lemon, white wine

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/shrimp-scampi-linguine-easy-romantic-recipe-for-perfect-date-night/