Description

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure where fresh herbs, juicy shrimp, and tender linguine come together in perfect harmony. If you’re a seafood lover, this Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine recipe is the perfect dish to indulge in. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table, making it ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner date.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound dried linguini pasta
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
2 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely chopped
4 tablespoons salted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Optional substitutions:

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Replace butter with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried linguine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Season the shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper.
When the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp to the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables

To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sliced zucchini, and chopped shallots.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Building the Sauce

Add the butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the dry white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

Add the cooked shrimp and linguine to the skillet.
Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley and chives for a fresh finish.

Step 6: Serving

Divide the pasta among serving plates and top with additional fresh herbs as desired. Enjoy this delicious meal!

Notes

Fresh herbs make a difference: While dried herbs can work, fresh thyme, parsley, and chives provide a brighter flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
Use a good quality white wine: For best results, use a dry white wine you enjoy drinking, as it significantly enhances the sauce.