Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Gather these fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. Start with large shrimp. They add a sweet flavor and nice texture. Use linguine or spaghetti for the perfect pasta base. Unsalted butter gives a rich taste. Olive oil adds depth. Next, garlic brings a strong aroma and flavor. Red pepper flakes add just the right kick. Use a fresh lemon. Its juice brightens the dish, while zest adds more lemony goodness. Fresh parsley gives a lovely color and taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season. If you like, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. It melts well and adds creaminess. Each ingredient works together to create a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. - Add linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente. - Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside. - In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Once the butter melts, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. - Add the shrimp to the skillet. - Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. - Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and opaque. - Reduce heat to low. - Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. - Stir to combine. - Add cooked pasta and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. - Toss everything together until well combined and the butter melts. - Stir in chopped parsley. - Adjust seasoning if necessary. - Plate the shrimp scampi. - Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. To perfect the flavor, adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with one teaspoon. If you like it spicy, add more. Fresh ingredients make a big difference too. Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best taste. Avoid overcooking shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes on each side. For pasta, cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps to make the sauce creamy. Pair shrimp scampi with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad balances the dish. As for wine, a crisp white wine works best. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors nicely. Enjoy your meal with these simple pairings for a complete experience. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Perfect Pasta: To achieve al dente pasta, follow the package instructions closely and taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up. Adjust Heat Level: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your heat preference. Start with a small amount, and add more if you like it spicier! Butter for Richness: Using both butter and olive oil gives you the best of both worlds—richness from the butter and a higher smoke point from the oil, preventing the butter from burning. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free. Simply swap the linguine or spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Look for ones made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Cook them just like regular pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! Want to boost the dish's nutrition? Add some veggies! Spinach is an excellent choice. Toss in a handful during the last minute of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds color. Cherry tomatoes also work well. Halve them and add them when you cook the shrimp. They add a sweet burst of flavor. If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, no problem! You can use scallops instead. They cook quickly and have a nice, sweet taste. Chicken is another option. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook until golden brown. Both choices will still match the garlic butter sauce perfectly! To store your leftover shrimp scampi, first let it cool to room temperature. Next, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, avoid leaving it out for too long. Keeping it chilled ensures safety and flavor. When reheating shrimp scampi, I recommend using a skillet. This method keeps the shrimp juicy. Heat the skillet over medium-low. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Gently stir the shrimp for about five minutes. You can also use the microwave. If you choose this, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Yes, you can freeze shrimp scampi! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The shrimp may lose some texture, but the flavor will still be great. The best pasta for shrimp scampi is linguine or spaghetti. Both types hold sauce well and complement the shrimp. You can also use fettuccine or angel hair if you prefer. They all cook quickly and make a tasty dish. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can soak them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. Using frozen shrimp saves time and works well in this recipe. Garlic butter shrimp scampi has a mild heat. The red pepper flakes add flavor without being too hot. You can adjust the spice by adding less or more flakes. For no heat, simply leave them out. You can serve shrimp scampi with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both pair well with the rich flavors. Steamed vegetables or a light risotto also make great sides. They balance the meal and add freshness. This shrimp scampi recipe combines fresh ingredients for a quick, tasty meal. You learned how to cook shrimp perfectly, prepare pasta, and combine flavors. Don’t forget to adjust the heat to your liking. Adding veggies or trying different proteins can keep things exciting. Store leftovers right and you can enjoy it later. Follow these tips to impress family or guests. With practice, you can master this dish and make it your own. Enjoy the cooking journey!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish with garlic, butter, and fresh parsley served over pasta.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

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
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon juiced and zested
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste Salt and pepper
optional Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Reduce heat to low. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, tossing everything together until well combined and the butter melts.
Stir in the chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
Plate the shrimp scampi, garnishing with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp