Celebrate Mother’s Day with this elegant and flavorful Shrimp Scampi with Linguine! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. This dish is restaurant-quality but easy enough to make at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re treating your mom or making a special meal for the family, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete Mother’s Day feast.
Duration / Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 generous plates
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp; if frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency.
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain. Set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked linguine, and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Plate immediately, garnish with extra parsley, grated Parmesan (if using), and lemon wedges.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook shrimp; they cook very quickly and will become rubbery if left too long.
- For extra flavor, finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
- Pair with a side of roasted asparagus or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is the perfect Mother’s Day meal—quick to make, elegant, and full of flavor. The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while the linguine soaks up every bit of the luscious sauce. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and festive. Treat your mom—or yourself—to this easy yet impressive seafood pasta, and enjoy a memorable Mother’s Day dinner at home!
