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This Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a fresh, flavorful dish that combines perfectly seared shrimp, buttery sauce, and herby zucchini, all tossed with linguine pasta. It’s a quick 30-minute dinner that is elegant enough to impress guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and chives, plus a splash of white wine and lemon, make this shrimp scampi a delicious and refreshing take on a classic.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound dried linguine pasta
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely chopped
4 tablespoons salted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the pan and sear on both sides until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, zucchini, and shallots. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the butter, garlic, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients: Pour in the white wine, lemon zest, and juice, and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked shrimp and pasta, tossing everything to combine. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with the reserved pasta cooking water.
Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and chives.
Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with more fresh herbs, and enjoy!

Nutrients

Calories: 612 kcal per serving
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Cholesterol: 200mg
Potassium: 550mg

This Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a quick and satisfying dish that combines bright flavors, savory shrimp, and tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner!

Why Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine?

This dish takes the traditional shrimp scampi and adds a refreshing twist with the inclusion of fresh herbs and vegetables. Shrimp scampi is typically known for its rich, garlicky butter sauce, but the addition of zucchini and shallots adds a beautiful freshness and lightness that brightens the entire dish. The garden herbs, such as thyme and chives, bring an earthy, fragrant depth to the sauce, while the white wine and lemon provide a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter.

The balance between the savory shrimp, the buttery sauce, and the fresh veggies makes Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine a perfect option for any meal. It’s sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party but simple enough to prepare for a busy weeknight, making it a versatile recipe for all occasions.

The Key Ingredients: Fresh, Flavorful, and Simple

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes each element special:

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the stars of this dish. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors of the sauce beautifully, providing a sweet and succulent bite with every mouthful.
Linguine Pasta: Linguine is the ideal pasta for this dish due to its delicate yet substantial texture. It holds the sauce well, creating a perfect vehicle for the buttery, herb-infused sauce.
Zucchini: Thinly sliced zucchini adds a light, fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the shrimp and pasta. Its subtle flavor enhances the dish without overpowering it.
Shallots and Garlic: Shallots provide a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor, while garlic brings the aromatic depth that is essential to any shrimp scampi. Together, they create a flavor base that’s both savory and rich.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and chives elevate this dish by adding an aromatic earthiness that brightens the overall flavor profile. Fresh parsley, stirred in at the end, offers a burst of color and an extra layer of freshness.
Lemon: The zest and juice of a lemon give the dish a refreshing acidity, perfectly complementing the buttery richness of the sauce.
White Wine: Dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds complexity to the sauce, helping to deglaze the pan and infuse the dish with depth and a subtle fruity note.

The Cooking Process: Simple and Efficient

One of the best things about this Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking process:

Cooking the Pasta: The first step is to cook the linguine until it’s al dente. Be sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
Searing the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet and season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Removing the shrimp from the pan ensures that they don’t overcook, and it gives you room to sauté the vegetables.
Sautéing the Vegetables: In the same skillet, you’ll sauté the zucchini and shallots in olive oil. These vegetables cook quickly, softening and taking on the flavors of the pan. Adding the butter, garlic, and thyme at the right moment allows the garlic to infuse the oil while the thyme blooms, releasing its aromatic oils into the dish.
Building the Sauce: Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the white wine and the lemon zest and juice. The wine will help to deglaze the pan, releasing all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. A quick simmer will help the sauce thicken slightly.
Combining the Ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so that the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to bring it to the perfect consistency.
Finishing Touches: Once everything is well combined, stir in the fresh parsley and chives for a pop of color and freshness. A final toss to mix it all together and your dish is ready to serve.

Serving and Garnishing

To serve, divide the shrimp scampi linguine among plates and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. The bright green parsley and chives provide a beautiful contrast to the golden shrimp and buttery sauce. If you like, you can sprinkle a little extra crushed red pepper flakes for added heat, or a bit more lemon zest for a tangy finish.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crisp white wine or a light salad. A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette would complement the rich flavors of the shrimp scampi without overshadowing them. For a more indulgent touch, consider serving it with garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Nutritional Benefits of Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine

This dish provides a well-balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it both satisfying and nutritious. The shrimp provide a lean source of protein, while the olive oil and butter offer healthy fats that contribute to heart health. The zucchini adds fiber and important nutrients like vitamin C, while the herbs and lemon offer antioxidants and a refreshing burst of flavor.

Though the dish contains a moderate amount of calories (around 612 kcal per serving), it’s packed with nutrients that support a healthy diet. The carbohydrates from the linguine provide energy, and the shrimp’s protein content supports muscle growth and repair. The lemon, herbs, and vegetables also contribute to the dish’s antioxidant content, promoting overall health.

Creative Variations and Customization

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While linguine is a great choice, you can easily swap it for other pasta varieties like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this dish can also be made with other seafood options like scallops, or even chicken for a different protein source.

You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. For example, fresh basil could replace the thyme for a more Mediterranean flair, or a dash of smoked paprika could add a subtle smokiness to the sauce. For those who like a little more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chili flakes can be added to the sauce.

Conclusion: A Quick, Elegant, and Flavorful Meal

Garden Herb Shrimp Scampi Linguine is a delightful dish that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with the richness of a buttery sauce. The perfect balance of savory shrimp, herby zucchini, and tangy lemon makes it a refreshing take on the classic shrimp scampi. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or a more formal occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its elegant flavors and simple preparation. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ideal meal for busy nights when you want something satisfying but still impressive.