Description
At its core, shrimp scampi with linguine is a dish where succulent shrimp are quickly sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine, then tossed with pasta. Adding a spicy twist means elevating this traditional preparation with red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or sambal oelek to bring fiery depth. The result? A bold, mouthwatering plate that balances buttery richness, citrus brightness, and satisfying heat.
Ingredients
Pasta & Shrimp:
- 400 g linguine
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
- 500 g large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Sauce Base:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 shallots, finely diced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional Heat Boost:
- 1 tsp sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce (for extra fire)
Instructions
1. Cook the Linguine
Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add shallots and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes and paprika.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until pink and opaque (2–3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
4. Build the Sauce
Deglaze pan with white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add remaining butter, sambal oelek (if using), and reserved pasta water. Stir until glossy.
5. Combine & Serve
Return shrimp to pan. Add cooked linguine and toss to coat. Finish with lemon zest and parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: Fiery Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Spicy Garlic Shrimp Linguine, Hot Shrimp Scampi Recipe