Classic Italian Linguine with Garlic and Olive Oil

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat up the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until the garlic is golden brown.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Into the same skillet, pour the white wine, let it simmer until it reduces by half.
  5. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, along with the cooked shrimp, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and unsalted butter. Toss until everything is well mixed and the pasta is heated through.
  6. Drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta, toss once more to combine. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve the linguine immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the shrimp with chicken breast strips for a chicken linguine dish.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to create a vegetarian linguine.
  • For a spicy twist, substitute the red pepper flakes with sliced jalapenos or chili powder.
  • Include sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired linguine.
  • For a creamy option, mix in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
  • Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to add different flavor profiles to the dish.
  • Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for an extra burst of flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta.
  • Incorporate cooked bacon or pancetta for a delicious bacon linguine.
  • Create a seafood linguine by adding a variety of seafood such as mussels, clams, or scallops.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a seafood feast with this simple yet delectable Linguine with Shrimp recipe. This dish features linguine pasta tossed in a flavorful garlic and white wine sauce, cooked with spicy red pepper flakes and succulent shrimp. The dish is then enhanced with the tangy freshness of lemon juice, and garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. It may seem decadent, but it's surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Expect a harmonious blend of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home with this classic Italian pasta dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguine?
    Yes, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other long pasta of your choice as a substitute for linguine.
  2. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
  3. Can I omit the white wine?
    If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with seafood or vegetable broth for flavor.
  4. Can I add vegetables to the linguine?
    Certainly! You can add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the linguine for extra color and nutrition.
  5. How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
    To check if the pasta is al dente, take a small piece and taste it. It should be cooked but still have a slight firmness to it.
  6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    While linguine is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, toss it with the cooked pasta, and add the shrimp.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for boiling the linguine pasta
  • Skillet - for cooking the garlic, red pepper flakes, shrimp, and sauce
  • Tongs - for flipping and removing the shrimp from the skillet
  • Colander - for draining the cooked linguine pasta
  • Grater - for grating Parmesan cheese
  • Juicer - for extracting juice from the lemon
  • Serving platter or plates - for serving the linguine
  • Garnishing tools - such as extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for optional garnish

Origin stories

Linguine, which literally translates to "little tongues" in Italian, originated from the Liguria region of Italy. In this coastal area, nestled between the rugged mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the locals have a penchant for seafood, fresh herbs, and olive oil. Thus, it is not surprising that one of the most traditional recipes for linguine includes seafood, typically clams, combined with garlic, olive oil, and parsley, embodying the very essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Now, isn't it interesting to imagine that every time you savor a forkful of linguine, you're experiencing a slice of life from a charming Italian coastal town?

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.