Linguine with Shrimp Scampi

This recipe is a super simple, crave-worthy shrimp pasta! Comforting pasta and the bright fresh flavors of lemon and shrimp are a classic. This is a simple meal to entertain with or enjoy it on a much needed “eat at home, but it needs to be easy” kind of night. That checks off two awesome boxes in my book! Ina Garten wrote this recipe and it is from her Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook.

Vegetable oil
Kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds linguine
6 T. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
5 T. good olive oil such as Olio Santo
3 T. minced garlic (9 cloves)
2 pounds large shrimp (about 32), peeled and deveined
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced in half-rounds
1/4 tsp. hot red pepper flakes

Drizzle some vegetable oil in a large pot of boiling salted water, add 1 T. of salt and the linguine, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or according to the directions on the package.

Since this involves delicate shrimp that cooks in a hurry, I recommend having your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting.

In a large (12 – inch) skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. It will turn bitter tasting if it burns! Eeep! Next, add the shrimp, 1 T. kosher salt, the pepper and saute until the shrimp have just turned pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat, add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and then put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce, toss well, and serve with crusty garlic bread and good salted butter. Delish!

COOKING THE BOOKS, YA’LL!