Shrimp Scampi with Whole-Wheat Linguine
A classic Italian-American dish gets a healthy twist with whole-wheat linguine. Plump shrimp are tossed in a vibrant garlic, white wine, and lemon-butter sauce for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Cook the linguine.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole-wheat linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
TIPReserving pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.Prepare the shrimp.
While the pasta cooks, pat the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
TIPDrying the shrimp ensures they sear nicely instead of steaming in the pan.Sauté the aromatics.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Create the scampi sauce.
- Pour in the dry white wine and the juice of half a lemon.
- Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Cook the shrimp.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
TIPShrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they curl into a 'C' shape, they're done.Combine everything.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the drained linguine directly to the pan with the shrimp and sauce.
- Add the chopped fresh parsley, the zest of the whole lemon, and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water if it seems too dry.
Serve immediately.
Divide the shrimp scampi among four plates. Serve hot, with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary to ensure they sear properly.
- 2Use a good quality dry white wine that you would drink, as it's a key flavor component.
- 3Fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice are essential for the bright, classic scampi flavor.
- 4Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- 5The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the butter and oil, creating a smooth sauce that coats the noodles.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Substitute the whole-wheat linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package instructions.
dairy freeDairy free
Replace the butter with an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
quickQuick
Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp and jarred minced garlic to save on prep time.
healthyHealthy
To lower the fat content, reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and building, while being low in fat.
Rich in Complex Carbohydrates
Whole-wheat linguine offers complex carbs and dietary fiber, promoting sustained energy and digestive health.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
Packed with Antioxidants
Garlic and parsley are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version can be quite healthy. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, and whole-wheat linguine provides complex carbohydrates and fiber. The sauce uses heart-healthy olive oil and is flavored with fresh ingredients rather than heavy creams.
