An Easy Lobster Scampi Recipe with Linguine Pasta

My Easy Lobster Scampi Recipe with Linguine Pasta only takes 20 minutes from start to finish and is the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight or a special date night! This dish is super impressive but is easy enough for any beginner to make. The best part of this dish is the buttery, flavorful scampi sauce with white wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and garlic cloves. Don’t forget to grab some warm crusty bread to sop up the delicious sauce!

Just when you think fresh cooked lobster meat couldn’t get any more delicious, I add butter, wine, and pasta! If you’ve ever had garlic shrimp scampi, this is very similar, only with cooked lobster meat! If you like lobster pasta dishes, you should try my Lobster Gnocchi or my Creamy Lobster Pasta! Plus, I have plenty of other lobster recipes like my Butter-Poached Lobster Tails, Lobster Pot Pie, and Lobster Cakes. Of course, don’t forget the Lobster Risotto!!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-fuss and fancy – You know how sometimes you want to impress without breaking a sweat? That’s where this recipe comes in. It’s fancy enough to grace any dinner table, yet it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. So, this lobster scampi has got you covered whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a fancy night in.
• Lobster is the star – Let’s talk about the star of the show – lobster. I mean, who doesn’t love lobster, right? In this recipe, it’s the undisputed hero, stealing the spotlight with its delicate flavor and buttery texture. And the best part? Heavy sauces or overwhelming spices do not drown it out. Nope, just pure lobster goodness in every bite.
• Perfectly balanced – You know how sometimes you taste a dish and think, “Wow, that’s just perfect”? Well, get ready for that moment with this scampi. It’s all about balance – the garlic, the butter, the herbs – they all come together in perfect harmony to create a symphony of flavors that’ll have you doing a happy dance with every forkful.

Ingredients

• Linguine – This classic pasta is the perfect canvas for soaking up all the flavors of our scampi with lobster. Its long, slender shape ensures every bite is coated in deliciousness, making it the ideal partner for our succulent lobster.
• Unsalted butter – Ah, butter – the secret to making everything taste better. In our recipe, unsalted butter adds richness and silkiness to the dish, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta and every morsel of lobster.
• Olive oil – A drizzle of olive oil not only adds a hint of Mediterranean flair to our dish but also helps to sauté our aromatics. Its fruity notes and subtle peppery undertones elevate the flavors and bring everything together beautifully.
• Shallot – Sweet and aromatic, shallots lend a delicate onion flavor to our scampi sauce without overpowering the star of the show – the lobster. Their mildness allows the other ingredients to shine while adding depth and complexity to the dish.
• Minced garlic – Is it even scampi without garlic? This pungent ingredient infuses our sauce with its unmistakable aroma and bold flavor. Just a hint of garlic takes our dish from good to unforgettable, adding layers of deliciousness with every bite.
• Red pepper flakes – For those who like a little kick, red pepper flakes are the perfect addition. They bring gentle heat to our scampi sauce. A pinch of spice to keep things exciting!
• White wine –  In our recipe, a splash of white wine adds brightness and acidity to our sauce, cutting through the richness of the butter. Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc both work beautifully, providing a crisp, refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the lobster.
• Lemon juice – A splash of lemon juice adds a burst of citrusy brightness, elevating the flavors of your scampi. Its tangy acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce, balancing savory notes with a refreshing zing. 
• Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to our dish. Its bright, herbaceous flavor balances the sauce’s richness and adds a refreshing contrast to the savory elements. Plus, it makes for a gorgeous garnish that adds the perfect finishing touch to our scampi.
• Lobster meat – Last but certainly not least, the star of the show – lobster meat. Sweet, succulent, and oh-so-delicious, lobster takes center stage in our scampi recipe. Whether you’re using tail, claw, or knuckle meat, its delicate flavor and tender texture will surely steal the spotlight and leave everyone craving more.

Substitutions and Additions

• Broth – Swap out white wine with either chicken broth or seafood broth for added depth and flavor.
• Seafood – Elevate your scampi by introducing a mix of fresh seafood such as succulent shrimp, delicate scallops, or decadent crab meat.
• Tomatoes – Add a pop of color and sweetness with halved cherry tomatoes, infusing the dish with vibrant bursts of flavor.
• Add some green – Enhance both nutrition and presentation by gently wilting spinach or peppery arugula into the sauce, delivering a fresh and vibrant element.
• Cheesy – Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, adding a creamy texture and savory richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make This Recipe

1 : Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and minced shallot, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle in 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 

2: Add the chopped parsley and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the skillet, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

3: Add the cooked lobster meat to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the flavorful sauce. Cook until the lobster is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

4: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the lobster and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Transfer the lobster scampi to serving plates or a large platter. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously flavorful lobster scampi!

Tips and Notes

• Fresh ingredients – Whenever possible, use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This is especially important for the lobster meat, as its freshness will greatly impact the final dish.
• Lobster preparation – If using whole lobsters, steam or boil them until cooked through, then remove the meat from the shell and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-cooked lobster meat for convenience.
• Cooking linguine – Be sure to cook the linguine until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce and lobster. This ensures that the pasta maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy.

Serving Suggestions

• Wine pairing – Enhance the dish’s flavors with a glass of crisp and refreshing Chardonnay. Its buttery notes complement the sauce’s richness, while its acidity balances the dish’s savory elements.
• Bruschetta –  Serve homemade bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze as a flavorful appetizer or side dish to complement the scampi.
• Parmigiano Reggiano – Offer grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at the table for added richness and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Cool leftover lobster scampi at room temperature.
• Transfer to an airtight container or sealable bag.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Let the scampi sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Add a splash of broth or pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
• Serve immediately.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!