Description
This Healthy Shrimp Scampi recipe offers a light yet flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite. Featuring succulent seared shrimp, linguine pasta, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce enriched with butter and olive oil, it’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese provide the final touch of savory goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine noodles
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry water
- 1 large lemon, juice and zest (about 3 Tbsp juice)
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente following package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to use later for a silky sauce.
- Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sauté the shallots and garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate to avoid overcooking.
- Make the sauce: Pour chicken broth, dry water, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly reduces and concentrates in flavor.
- Toss everything together: Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, parsley, and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and smooth.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they become rubbery if cooked too long.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- Can substitute gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences.
- Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
