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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Pasta**
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook according to the package directions, typically about 9-11 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Once the linguine is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside, covered, to keep warm.
#### **Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp**
While the pasta is cooking, heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** and **2 tablespoons of butter** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil and butter are melted and hot, add the **minced garlic** and sauté for **1-2 minutes** until fragrant. Be sure to avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the **shrimp** to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about **2-3 minutes per side**, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. The shrimp should turn from translucent to opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
#### **Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce**
In the same skillet, pour in the **white wine** and scrape up any flavorful bits left in the pan from cooking the shrimp. Let the wine simmer and reduce for about **2 minutes**.
Add the remaining **butter** to the pan and let it melt. Stir to combine with the wine, creating a creamy, buttery sauce. Add the **lemon juice**, **lemon zest**, **red pepper flakes** (if using), and **fresh parsley**. Stir the mixture well, allowing the sauce to come together.
#### **Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Pasta**
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is coated in the luscious garlic-butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky, smooth consistency.
Season with **salt and pepper** to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, transfer the shrimp scampi with linguine to a serving platter or divide it among individual plates. Garnish with more **fresh parsley** and a final squeeze of **lemon juice** if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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## **Variations of Garlicky Shrimp Scampi with Linguine**
While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can personalize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:
### **1. Add Vegetables**
For added nutrition and color, you can easily incorporate vegetables into your shrimp scampi. Consider adding **asparagus**, **spinach**, **cherry tomatoes**, **zucchini**, or **broccoli** to the dish. You can sauté them along with the garlic, or roast them in the oven and toss them in with the pasta.
### **2. Spicy Shrimp Scampi**
If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the **red pepper flakes** in the recipe or add a small amount of **cayenne pepper** to the sauce. You can also toss in **chopped fresh chili peppers** or **jalapeños** for extra spice.
### **3. Swap the Shrimp for Other Seafood**
Shrimp scampi is often made with shrimp, but you can easily switch it up with other types of seafood. Try using **scallops**, **lobster**, or a combination of different shellfish for a more luxurious version of the dish.
### **4. Gluten-Free Version**
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the linguine with a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many gluten-free pasta options available, including brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, vegetable-based alternative.
### **5. Dairy-Free Shrimp Scampi**
To make the dish dairy-free, replace the butter with **olive oil** or a plant-based butter substitute. You can also skip the cheese and rely on the garlic, lemon, and wine for flavor.
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## **Conclusion**
**Garlicky Shrimp Scampi with Linguine** is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together tender shrimp, a rich garlic-butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one easy-to-make recipe. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish offers a perfect combination of elegance and comfort. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that will leave your family and friends raving.
Not only is shrimp scampi quick and easy to make, but it also offers versatility for customizing the dish according to your preferences. From adding vegetables to experimenting with different types of seafood, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you’re craving a savory, indulgent meal, try making **Garlicky Shrimp Scampi with Linguine**—a dish that promises to deliver big flavor in every bite.
