Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Linguine Pasta: The broad, flat shape of linguine holds the sauce well. If you prefer, you can swap it for spaghetti or fettuccine as they also work nicely with this dish.

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great, but make sure they’re peeled and deveined. If shrimp isn’t available, scallops or chicken could be a good substitute.

Butter: I love using butter for its richness. You could try olive oil for a lighter version or if you want a dairy-free option, use vegan butter.

White Wine: Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t want to use wine, chicken broth is a great alternative. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the flavor slightly.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you need a non-dairy version, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy taste without dairy.

How Do I Cook Shrimp Just Right?

Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly tender shrimp every time!

• Start with shrimp at room temperature for even cooking.
• Heat the skillet to medium and add oil and butter together. This helps create a rich flavor.
• Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
• Remove shrimp promptly to prevent them from continuing to cook in the residual heat.

By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious Shrimp Scampi Linguine that impresses everyone! Enjoy!

Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta and Shrimp:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Butter and Oil:

• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Flavorful Additions:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

Cheese and Topping:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Fresh Herbs and Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This amazing Shrimp Scampi Linguine takes around 30 minutes to prepare. With quick cooking and a delightful assembly process, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta, but remember to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water to use later!

2. Sauté the Shrimp:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and season them with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. They should be perfectly tender! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, toss in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the rest of the minced garlic. Cook gently for about a minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown. Add in the red pepper flakes and lemon zest, cooking for an additional 30 seconds before pouring in the white wine (or chicken broth) and regular chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.

4. Combine Everything:

Stir in the lemon juice and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined. Now add the drained linguine to the skillet and gently toss everything together, coating the pasta in that delicious sauce. If you need a thinner consistency, slowly add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauciness.

5. Return the Shrimp and Finish:

Carefully mix the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the pasta. In a small pan, toast the breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the shrimp and linguine for that crunchy topping!

6. Garnish and Serve:

Lastly, garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve it immediately with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all the garlicky goodness!

Enjoy your flavorful and restaurant-style Shrimp Scampi Linguine! It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a chef-inspired meal at home!

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.

What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great substitute that maintains the dish’s flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a non-meat option, though the taste may differ slightly.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover Shrimp Scampi Linguine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Definitely! You can toss in vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus when cooking the sauce for a nutritious boost. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything is perfectly tender.