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I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi. It was a total disaster! I overcooked the shrimp to oblivion, and the sauce was watery and bland. It was supposed to be a romantic dinner, but instead, we ordered takeout. But don’t worry, I’ve learned a lot since then, and this recipe is foolproof. One of my favorite memories is when my family tried this recipe, my little daughter couldn’t stop giggling, she found the shrimp funny looking. Grilling the shrimp first adds a smokey, slightly charred flavor that really makes this recipe pop. It's so good!
This recipe is super versatile, too. You can easily adapt it to your liking by adding other vegetables, like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. For a little kick, throw in some red pepper flakes. And if you're not a fan of linguine, you can use any pasta you like, or even serve it over rice or quinoa. And dont worry even I’ve made a typo here or there, we’re all humans, aren’t we? If you want to kick it up a notch, try deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic. It will add an extra layer of flavor to the scampi sauce. What does this means for you, though?
Required Equipments
Grill
Large Skillet
Pot
Colander
Mixing Bowl
Tongs
Grilled Shrimp Scampi with Linguine: Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
This Grilled Shrimp Scampi with Linguine recipe elevates a classic dish by grilling the shrimp to perfection, imparting a smoky flavor that complements the buttery, garlicky scampi sauce. Served over a bed of perfectly cooked linguine, it’s a quick, easy, and impressive meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, prep the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp. I like to leave the tails on for presentation, but it's up to you. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear on the grill.
Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the fridge. Don’t marinate it too long, or the shrimp will become mushy.
Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a gas grill, aim for around 400°F (200°C). If you're using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and have a light coating of ash.
Grill the shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers, or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become tough and rubbery.
Cook the pasta: While the shrimp are grilling, cook the linguine according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help thicken the scampi sauce.
Make the scampi sauce: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter.
Add the lemon juice and wine (optional): Pour in 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a delicious flavor.
Combine everything: Add the cooked linguine and grilled shrimp to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce!
📝 Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce.
If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.