Easy Shrimp Linguine (Garlic Butter, Light & Restaurant-Style)
Tender, juicy shrimp tossed with silky linguine in a garlic butter sauce that clings to every strand. This easy shrimp linguine is light, fresh, and elegant enough for company… but simple enough for a Tuesday night!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces linguine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant (not browned).
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add lemon juice and stir.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained linguine.
- Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and create a silky sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan and fresh herbs until glossy and lightly creamy. (Here are the interesting details on why you should never use pre-shredded cheese!)
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. (They cook quickly and turn rubbery if cooked for too long.)
- A splash of pasta water is what makes the sauce silky instead of oily.
- For a slightly creamier finish, stir in a spoonful of ricotta at the end.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest for even brighter flavor.
Love cozy pasta? Check out this Creamy Lemon Pasta with Crispy Bacon and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, this viral Marry Me Chicken, these Ultra-Crispy Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs and this delightfully easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Beef! And if you’re in the mood for a simple one pot wonder meal?! This EPIC One Pot Lasagna dinner that’s ready in less than 27 minutes will absolutely become your new favorite busy-night dinner!
Love garlic? We triple-dog-dare you to click here.. 😉
