Shrimp Scampi For One

Shrimp Scampi for One with linguine, garlic, butter, and lemon. Quick and easy single-serving shrimp pasta recipe ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a fast dinner, healthy seafood meal, or simple weeknight pasta. Features tender shrimp, flavorful sauce, and Parmesan topping.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces uncooked linguine
• 6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the linguine, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until tender.
3. Drain the pasta in a colander and transfer to a bowl. Toss with ½ tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Season the Shrimp

4. In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with salt and pepper until evenly coated.

Sauté the Garlic

5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
6. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Cook the Shrimp

7. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes on one side. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque.
8. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place in a clean bowl. Cover to keep warm.

Make the Sauce

9. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, remaining olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir until the butter melts.
10. Return the shrimp to the pan and spoon the sauce over them to coat evenly.

Combine and Serve

11. Remove from heat and pour the shrimp and sauce over the cooked pasta.
12. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley (if using) and serve hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a fast, flavorful meal.
• Light and Flavorful: Garlic, lemon, and butter enhance the natural taste of shrimp.
• Single-Serving Friendly: Perfect portion for one without leftovers.
• Restaurant-Style: Enjoy a gourmet shrimp scampi experience at home.

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Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp work fine if thawed and patted dry.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Toss pasta with a small amount of olive oil after draining to prevent sticking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Pasta: Swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles.
• Butter and Oil: Use all olive oil for a lighter version.
• Spice: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Cheese: Top with Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, as shrimp and pasta are at their peak when hot.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Replace butter with additional olive oil and skip the Parmesan cheese.

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Serving

Serve this shrimp scampi immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Suggestions

• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for presentation.
• Make it a quick weeknight dinner by cooking the pasta while preparing the shrimp.