Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
- Light, flavorful sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Easy to customize with herbs, spices, or vegetables.
- Perfect for both beginner cooks and pasta lovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Linguine pasta
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- White wine or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour in the white wine or broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in fresh parsley and top with parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Use heavy cream for a richer, creamy shrimp linguine.
- Swap lemon for lime for a brighter citrus twist.
- Use chili flakes or Cajun seasoning for a spicy version.
- Add capers or olives for a Mediterranean touch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Do I have to use wine?
No, chicken broth works well as a substitute.
What type of pasta works best?
Linguine is ideal, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work.
Can I make this creamy?
Yes, add a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming tough?
Cook for just 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, tomatoes, peas, and zucchini are great additions.
What size shrimp should I use?
Medium or large shrimp work best for even cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use only olive oil and omit the parmesan.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Add extra garlic, fresh herbs, or a touch more lemon.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, any gluten-free linguine or spaghetti works well.
Conclusion
Easy shrimp linguine is a fast, flavorful pasta dish that brings together tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a light, delicious sauce. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and a perfect recipe to keep in your weekly rotation.
PrintEasy Shrimp Linguine
Easy shrimp linguine is a quick, flavorful pasta dish made with tender shrimp, garlic, lemon, and a light buttery or wine sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant meal with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour in white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in fresh parsley and top with parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm with extra lemon wedges if you like.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- Don’t overcook shrimp—remove them from heat as soon as they’re opaque.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for a vegetable boost.
- For a creamy version, stir in a splash of cream at the end.
- Leftovers reheat best with a little broth or water added to the skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg