Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

$To make this tasty dish, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust for spice level - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Enhance your dish with these optional ingredients: - Grated Parmesan cheese This cheese adds a nice creamy touch. You can skip it if you want a lighter meal. For this recipe, you will need: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for the sauce and shrimp - Colander to drain pasta - Tongs or pasta fork for mixing These tools help make the process smooth and easy. Having everything ready will save you time in the kitchen. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is bubbling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it as directed on the package until it's al dente. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Let the butter melt and mix with the oil. This blend creates a rich sauce base. After the butter melts, add 6 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Stir often until the garlic smells great and turns golden. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic tastes bitter. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip the shrimp halfway so they cook evenly. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Next, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and add the lemon zest. Stir everything well to blend the flavors. Let it cook for another minute for that zesty kick. Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it in the garlic butter sauce to coat every strand. If it looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it has the right consistency. Stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything well. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve your garlic butter shrimp scampi hot. You can top it with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the best garlic flavor, always use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic has a bright taste that dried garlic lacks. I recommend using 6 cloves for this recipe. Chop them finely for even flavor. Sauté the garlic in butter and oil, but don't let it burn. When it turns golden brown, that's your cue. This step draws out its sweet and savory notes. For tender shrimp, cook them just right. Use large, peeled shrimp for this dish. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you overcook them, they will be tough. Season them with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds taste right from the start. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Put them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They can last for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat to avoid overcooking. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always opt for the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; they should only be cooked until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is perfect for adjusting the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Consider adding other fresh herbs like basil or chives for a different twist. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Some good options include: - Cherry tomatoes: These add a sweet pop. - Spinach: Toss it in for a nice green touch. - Zucchini: Slice it thin and add it to the mix. - Bell peppers: They bring great color and crunch. Adding these ingredients boosts nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This way, everything cooks evenly. If shrimp isn't your thing, don't worry! There are tasty alternatives. You can use: - Scallops: They cook quickly and are sweet. - Chicken: Cut it into bite-sized pieces. - Tofu: For a plant-based option, firm tofu works well. - Fish: Salmon or white fish like cod can be great choices. These proteins offer different textures and flavors. Make sure to adjust cooking times based on what you choose. Want more heat? You can easily spice things up. Here are a few ideas: - More red pepper flakes: Add a pinch more for extra kick. - Hot sauce: Drizzle some in for a zesty twist. - Chili paste: Stir in a spoonful for bold flavor. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the red pepper flakes or skip the spicy additions. It’s all about finding your perfect balance! After enjoying your garlic butter shrimp scampi, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it. This will help keep it fresh for later. Place the container in the fridge. Properly stored, it should last for up to three days. Make sure to avoid leaving the dish out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. To reheat your shrimp scampi, the stovetop works best. Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed. Freezing garlic butter shrimp scampi is possible but not ideal. Shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, do so right after cooking. Allow it to cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop to bring back its original flavor. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them defrost quickly. After thawing, peel and devein them if needed. Frozen shrimp can be as tasty as fresh shrimp when cooked well. If you don’t have linguine or spaghetti, try other pasta types. Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta work great. You can also use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just cook the pasta according to package instructions, like you would with linguine. To make garlic butter shrimp scampi gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. Always check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. You can also serve the shrimp over rice or quinoa instead of pasta for a gluten-free meal. You can prepare some parts ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh. Then, when you’re ready, heat them and mix with the butter sauce. This makes for a quick meal that tastes fresh! Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a simple and delicious dish. We covered the main ingredients, from shrimp to pasta, and discussed optional sides. I shared easy steps to cook the dish, including tips for the best flavor. You can adjust the recipe by adding veggies or changing proteins. Proper storage can extend your leftovers, making meals last longer. Explore this recipe to impress friends and enjoy a tasty meal!$

A delicious and easy shrimp scampi recipe with garlic, butter, and lemon, served over pasta.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon zested and freshly juiced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and blend with the olive oil, creating a rich base for the sauce.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through cooking, until they turn a lovely pink color and are opaque throughout.
Add the fresh lemon juice and stir in the lemon zest. Allow the ingredients to mingle and cook for another minute.
Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it well in the garlic butter sauce to ensure each strand is coated. If the sauce looks dry, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the finely chopped parsley, combining everything thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve the shrimp scampi hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired, along with an additional touch of chopped parsley.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp