Shrimp Linguini
Easy shrimp linguini recipe made with garlic butter, white wine, and lemon. A light yet decadent pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Linguini
There are pasta dishes that feel comforting, and then there are pasta dishes that feel elevated. Shrimp linguini is one of those meals that sits beautifully in both worlds. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it’s also elegant enough to serve for date night or a dinner party.
Imagine perfectly al dente linguine coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon. Add in tender, juicy shrimp and finish it with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and lemon slices — and suddenly, dinner at home feels like something you’d order in a cozy Italian trattoria.
This dish is light yet satisfying, flavorful but not heavy, and quick to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this shrimp linguini on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s break down each ingredient so you understand not just what to use, but why it belongs in this dish.
8 ounces linguine pasta
Linguine is the perfect choice for this recipe because its flat, narrow shape holds onto sauces beautifully. You get that silky coating of garlic butter and lemon in every bite. If you don’t have linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine make great substitutes.
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Shrimp are the star here. Large shrimp are best because they cook quickly but still offer a meaty, satisfying bite. Always peel and devein your shrimp — not only does this improve texture, but it also makes the dish look more elegant.
Tip: Fresh shrimp will always give you the best flavor, but high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed properly) works just as well.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Butter forms the luxurious base of the sauce. It adds richness and depth that balances beautifully with the acidity of the wine and lemon juice. Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning more precisely.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic infuses the sauce with flavor and aroma. Don’t skimp here — garlic is what ties the butter, shrimp, and pasta together. Fresh garlic is best, as jarred garlic doesn’t pack the same punch.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat that wakes up the palate. If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount. If you’re cooking for kids or prefer a milder flavor, you can skip it.
1/4 cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
White wine adds acidity, brightness, and complexity to the sauce. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are ideal because they’re crisp and dry. Avoid overly sweet wines, as they can throw off the balance of the dish.
Tip: If you prefer to cook without alcohol, substitute chicken broth with a splash of extra lemon juice.
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
This duo is what makes the dish shine. The juice adds tangy brightness, while the zest adds concentrated citrus flavor. Together, they balance the richness of the butter and create that classic light-yet-decadent seafood pasta vibe.
Salt and pepper to taste
Always season as you go — a pinch of salt in the pasta water, seasoning the shrimp, and finishing the sauce. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a peppery bite that complements the lemon.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Parsley adds freshness, color, and just a touch of herbal brightness. It also visually elevates the dish, making it look restaurant-quality.
Lemon slices for garnish
A small but impactful detail — lemon slices add elegance and invite diners to squeeze on extra citrus if they’d like.
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Parmesan adds umami richness and nuttiness. While optional, it rounds out the dish beautifully and adds that extra layer of indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook 8 ounces of linguine according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Adding a splash of starchy pasta water to the sauce helps it cling to the linguine and creates a silky finish.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using).
Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add 1 pound shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If needed, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid steaming instead of searing.
3. Build the Sauce
Once shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/4 cup white wine and 1/4 cup lemon juice.
Add the zest of one lemon and season with salt and pepper.
Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
4. Combine with Linguine
Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated.
If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
Garnish with lemon slices.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Lemon – Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness of fresh. Zest adds layers of flavor bottled juice can’t replicate.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Reserve Pasta Water – That starchy water is liquid gold for sauces! It helps emulsify and coat the pasta.
High-Quality Wine Matters – Cook with a wine you’d drink. Cheap cooking wines often have added salt and lack depth.
Balance the Flavors – Taste the sauce before tossing with pasta. If it’s too tangy, add more butter. If too rich, squeeze in more lemon.
Variations
Shrimp Scampi Linguine: Add more butter and omit lemon zest for a classic scampi feel.
Shrimp & Spinach Linguine: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrition and color.
Creamy Shrimp Linguine: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream before adding pasta for a richer sauce.
Garlic-Lovers Version: Double the garlic for a more robust flavor profile.
What to Serve With Shrimp Linguini
Garlic Bread or Focaccia – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad – Tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the pasta’s brightness.
Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli complement the dish beautifully.
White Wine Pairing – Stick with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a cohesive flavor experience.
Storing & Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can overcook.
Why You Will Love This Dish
This shrimp linguini has everything you could want in a meal: it’s quick, fresh, flavorful, and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a weeknight, making a romantic dinner at home, or impressing guests, this dish delivers every single time.
It doesn’t require a long list of complicated ingredients, and the flavors are bright yet comforting. It’s seafood done simply but beautifully.
Shrimp Linguini with Garlic Butter, White Wine & Lemon
Easy shrimp linguini recipe made with garlic butter, white wine, and lemon. A light yet decadent pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 1–2 minutes.
- Add shrimp; cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Stir in wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt & pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Toss shrimp mixture with pasta, adding pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley, lemon slices, and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Loved this recipe? Try pairing it with my Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops or Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Bowtie Pasta for your next dinner rotation. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for weekly recipe inspiration, kitchen tips, and themed dinner night ideas straight to your inbox!
Easy shrimp linguini recipe made with garlic butter, white wine, and lemon. A light yet decadent pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights.