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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Shrimp is the star of this dish. Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best taste. Butter adds richness, while olive oil helps cook the shrimp evenly. Garlic gives a strong flavor, and red pepper flakes add a nice kick. - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the butter. Zest brings even more lemon flavor. Salt and pepper are simple but essential for taste. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can sprinkle Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. Use these optional ingredients to elevate your dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps make the sauce creamy later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, I move on to the shrimp. I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once it is hot, I put in 5 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. I sauté this mixture for about 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer. I sprinkle some salt and pepper over the shrimp. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. You will see the shrimp turn pink. Then, flip them and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Once the shrimp are cooked, I add the drained pasta to the skillet. Here comes the fun part! I pour in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. This adds a bright flavor. I toss everything together to mix well. If the mix looks dry, I add some reserved pasta water. This helps achieve a saucy consistency that clings to the shrimp and pasta. Now, you can enjoy your garlic butter shrimp scampi, full of flavor and ready to impress! Knowing When Shrimp is Done Shrimp cook fast. Look for a bright pink color. The shrimp should also curl into a C shape. This means they are perfect and ready to eat. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, which is not tasty. Tips for Avoiding Overcooking Cook shrimp in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Keep an eye on the time. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes. If you are unsure, use a meat thermometer. Shrimp should reach 120°F (49°C). Adjusting Spice Levels The red pepper flakes add heat. If you like it spicy, add more. If you prefer less heat, use fewer flakes. You can also try different spices like paprika or cayenne for a new twist. Incorporating Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs add bright flavor. Parsley is a great choice, but you can also use basil or cilantro. Just chop them finely and sprinkle on top before serving. Suggested Side Dishes Garlic butter shrimp scampi pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthy touch. Best Wine Pairings For wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc works well. The acidity complements the shrimp and lemon. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir can also be a good match. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: To ensure your shrimp are tender and not overcooked, keep an eye on their color. They should turn a vibrant pink and opaque when fully cooked, which usually takes just a few minutes. Adjust the Heat: Customize the spiciness of your dish by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then add more to your preference as you cook. Pasta Water Magic: Save some pasta water before draining the cooked linguine or spaghetti. This starchy water can help to create a silky sauce when combined with the shrimp and garlic butter. Fresh Herbs Finish: Always garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish with a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the butter. {{image_2}} You can easily change the pasta in this dish. I love using linguine, but spaghetti works well too. For a fun twist, try penne or fettuccine. Each pasta brings a different feel and taste. If you want to swap proteins, shrimp is not the only option. You can use chicken or scallops instead. Chicken breast cooks quickly and adds a mild flavor. Scallops give a sweet taste that pairs well with garlic and butter. For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can also use zucchini noodles for a low-carb choice. They soak up the garlic butter nicely. If you're looking for a lower calorie version, use less butter or olive oil. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli. They add volume and nutrients without many calories. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. They add color and freshness. Just sauté them along with the garlic. Switching up the herbs can change the whole dish. Fresh basil or thyme can add a unique taste. If you want something bolder, add fresh dill or rosemary. Adjusting the herbs can make this dish new each time you cook it. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, use proper storage containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture loss. Store the leftovers in the fridge. Use them within two days for the best taste. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. When reheating, avoid dry shrimp. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat it on low and add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the shrimp moist while warming. You can also microwave the dish. If you do, use a microwave-safe cover. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze garlic butter shrimp scampi, cool it completely first. Then, portion it into freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat frozen scampi, use the skillet method. You may need to add a little water or broth to help it heat evenly. You can tell when shrimp are done by looking at their color and texture. When shrimp start to cook, they change from gray to a bright pink. They should also curl into a C shape. When cooked, they feel firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough. For best results, cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip them for another 1 to 2 minutes. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To prepare in advance, cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers. Keep the pasta and shrimp in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, combine them in a pan. Add a splash of pasta water and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. To make shrimp scampi healthier, you can reduce calories by using less butter or olive oil. Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or zucchini noodles for added fiber. You can also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. Use less salt and fresh herbs for flavor without extra calories. This way, you keep the taste while making it lighter. This blog post covered everything you need to know for making shrimp scampi. We explored key ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and seasonings. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips for perfecting your dish. Don't forget about variations to adapt the recipe to your needs or storage options for leftovers. With these insights, you can create a tasty meal. Enjoy the process and make it your own!

Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious shrimp scampi dish with zesty lemon and garlic flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon Juice of
  • 1 lemon Zest of
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a saucy consistency.
  • Remove from heat and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, scampi, shrimp