Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Shrimp Scampi Linguini?
It is a vibrant summer pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, fresh garden tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a creamy basil pesto sauce.
What are the nutrition facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 303 calories, 14g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 17.5g of protein.
How long should I cook the linguine?
Boil the linguine in salted water for 6-8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, if using frozen shrimp, place them in a strainer and run cold water over them until defrosted before cooking.
What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Reserving a cup of cooking liquid helps create a cohesive sauce that coats the linguini perfectly.
How many garlic cloves are required?
This recipe calls for 5 garlic cloves, which should be sliced thin for the best flavor distribution.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
Use 2 cups of grape tomatoes, quartered, to add juicy bursts of flavor to the dish.
How much wine is needed for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white wine to deglaze the pan and add acidity.
When should I add the shrimp to the skillet?
Add the seasoned shrimp after sautรฉing the shallots and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until pink.
What is the total amount of butter used?
Use 4 tablespoons of butter in total, divided between the initial sautรฉ and the final sauce preparation.
How much olive oil is in this dish?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, which is divided during the cooking process.
What size shallot should I buy?
One large shallot, finely diced, provides the necessary aromatic base for the scampi sauce.
How much red pepper flakes should be added?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat.
How many shrimp are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 20 large shrimp that are peeled and deveined.
Should the shrimp have tails on or off?
The recipe recommends using shrimp that are peeled and deveined but with the tails left on.
How much basil pesto is needed?
Use 1/2 cup of basil pesto to elevate the flavors of the scampi sauce.
When is the lemon added?
The lemon juice is added to the boiling sauce mixture, while the zest is used as a final garnish.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the linguini immediately, ideally paired with toasted sourdough garlic bread.
Can I substitute the linguine for another pasta?
While linguine is traditional, you can substitute it with other long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine.
Is this a healthy meal option?
With 303 calories and 17.5g of protein, it is a balanced seafood dish that incorporates fresh vegetables.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be sliced thin rather than minced to prevent burning and provide a milder flavor.
What should I do after the shrimp are cooked?
Once the shrimp are pink and cooked through, remove them from the pan and keep them warm while you finish the sauce.
What is used to deglaze the skillet?
White wine is used to deglaze the pan, helping to lift the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste to suit your personal preference.
Is this recipe good for a summer dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as a vibrant summer dish that celebrates garden-fresh seasonal flavors.
What prep is needed for the tomatoes?
The 2 cups of grape tomatoes should be quartered before being added to the dish.
How do I ensure the pasta is well-coated?
Toss the cooked linguine and shrimp in the skillet with the pesto sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water.
What provides the citrus notes in the recipe?
Both the juice and the zest of one lemon provide the bright citrus notes in this scampi.
Is the shallot mandatory?
The finely diced shallot is key for providing a delicate, sweet onion flavor that complements the garlic.
Can this be a one-pan meal?
Yes, once the pasta is boiled, the rest of the ingredients are prepared in a single large skillet.