Lemon Basil Shrimp Scampi

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this Lemon Basil Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful way to do it. Combining fresh, zesty ingredients with a touch of elegance, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.

Ingredients for Lemon Basil Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp is the star of the dish, offering a lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Make sure they're peeled and deveined for a hassle-free experience. Linguine acts as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce. Both butter and olive oil are used to create a rich, flavorful foundation for the sauté. Garlic adds depth and aroma, while dry white wine provides acidity and complexity. The lemon juice delivers that zesty punch, and fresh basil brings a fragrant, herbaceous note. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a satisfying savory finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best texture, don’t overcook the shrimp. They should just turn pink and opaque.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth can be a suitable substitute.
  • Double the batch and save extras for a quick lunch the next day.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What type of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead to save time.

Lemon Basil Shrimp Scampi Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your linguine going by cooking it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain it and set it aside. While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and add the olive oil. Once the butter has melted, toss in the garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. You’ll want to be careful not to let it burn.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking. With the shrimp in the skillet, it’s time to pour in the white wine, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, a crack of pepper, and the red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for about 2 minutes, so the flavors meld together and the wine reduces slightly.

Now, add the cooked linguine into the skillet. Use tongs to gently toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure it’s well-coated. Once everything is mixed, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately, topping each plate with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a wedge of lemon on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Bright lemon and fresh basil add a refreshing twist to a classic dish.
  • Perfectly balanced flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
  • Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz linguine pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add olive oil.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
5. Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then let simmer for about 2 minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.

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