This Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a tasty plate of pasta topped with juicy shrimp, garlic, and a hint of lemon. It’s like a little party in your mouth—so bright and flavorful!
Whenever I make this for dinner, the aroma fills my kitchen and makes everyone smile. Just toss the shrimp with the sauce, and you’ve got a delightful meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine Pasta: This is the classic choice for shrimp scampi. If you’re out, spaghetti or fettuccine works just as well. Gluten-free pasta can also be used if you’re avoiding gluten.
Large Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is the best, but frozen shrimp is a convenient substitute. Just thaw them before cooking to avoid rubbery shrimp. You can also use smaller shrimp if you have them on hand, just adjust the cooking time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with jarred minced garlic if you’re in a pinch. Use 1/2 teaspoon of jarred for each clove of fresh garlic.
White Wine: If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth is a great substitute. It offers similar depth of flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, simply use extra chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a great crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but they won’t be as crispy. You can also skip the breadcrumbs for a lighter dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Shrimp Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky! The key is to watch the color changes. When shrimp turns pink and opaque, they’re ready. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat before adding shrimp, and don’t crowd the pan.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should curl up slightly when done.
- Remove from heat as soon as they’re cooked; overcooking makes them tough.
This dish comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook! Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Scampi Linguine! 😊
Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shrimp Scampi Linguine takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the linguine and about 15-20 minutes preparing the shrimp and sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and half of the red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Prepare the Panko Topping:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the panko breadcrumbs. Stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Remove the breadcrumbs from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any tasty browned bits. Allow the mixture to reduce by half for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
7. Toss the Pasta:
Lower the heat and add the reserved linguine to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. If it feels too thick, you can add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Finish with Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and sprinkle half of the Parmesan and half of the chopped parsley over the mixture. Toss gently to combine and warm the shrimp through.
9. Serve the Dish:
Divide the pasta and shrimp among your serving plates. Top with the crispy panko breadcrumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
10. Garnish and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus goodness!
Enjoy your rich, garlicky, buttery, and perfectly lemony Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No worries! You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will still give your sauce great flavor without the alcohol.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before tossing with the freshly cooked pasta.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the dish moist.