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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved - Salt and black pepper to taste - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The shrimp gives it a nice texture. The butter adds richness, while garlic offers a strong flavor. Red pepper flakes add heat, and lemon brings brightness. Chicken broth adds depth, while tomatoes provide sweetness. Salt and pepper balance everything out, and fresh parsley adds color. Get creative with this dish! Here are some optional ingredients to enhance it: - Fresh basil for a different herb flavor - White wine for a touch of acidity - Capers for a briny bite - Spinach or arugula for extra greens - Lemon slices for added garnish Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Sometimes you might not have everything on hand. Here are some substitutes: - Shrimp: Use scallops or chicken if you prefer. - Butter: Olive oil works well for a lighter option. - Garlic: Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. - Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is a good swap for a vegetarian version. - Pasta: Any long pasta like fettuccine or penne will work. These swaps can help you make the dish even if you're missing some ingredients. Enjoy the process and make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook until al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Next, prepare the shrimp. You need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don’t let the garlic burn. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. After the shrimp is ready, add the zest of 1 lemon and the juice of 2 lemons. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and 1/2 cup of halved grape tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes. This step builds great flavor. Next, it’s time to mix everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles in all that delicious sauce. If the sauce seems thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Stir until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. This adds richness to the dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if you like. Serve immediately, and don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese on the side! Enjoy your meal! When picking shrimp, look for large, firm ones. Their shells should be smooth and shiny. Fresh shrimp have a slight ocean scent, not a strong fishy smell. If you buy frozen shrimp, ensure they are not stuck together. This means they thawed and refroze, which is not ideal. Always check the label to know if they are wild-caught or farmed. Wild-caught shrimp often taste better and have better texture. Cooking pasta al dente means it has a slight bite. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt; it should taste like the sea. Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. Follow the package time, but check a minute early. Taste a piece; if it’s firm but cooked, it’s ready. Before draining, save some pasta water. This water can help your sauce stick better. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, about 2-3 minutes per side. If they curl tightly, they are overdone. Another mistake is burning the garlic. Always sauté it over medium heat and watch it closely. Adding too much liquid too fast can also ruin your sauce. Start with less broth and adjust it as needed. Finally, don’t forget the pasta water! It can help make your dish creamy and rich. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh shrimp and lemons will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, for more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Pasta Cooking Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It helps to loosen the sauce and add flavor, creating a perfect consistency. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness. Consider adding a bit of lemon zest on top for an extra burst of citrus flavor. {{image_2}} You can use many types of pasta for this dish. While linguine is a classic choice, spaghetti works well too. For a twist, try fettuccine or penne. Each type gives a unique texture and taste. If you prefer a lighter meal, you can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These options are tasty and add veggies to your plate. Adding more ingredients can boost the flavor of your scampi. You might want to toss in some fresh spinach or arugula. Their greens add color and nutrients. Sautéed bell peppers or snap peas bring a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle in fresh herbs, like basil or dill, for a fresh taste. If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. Each choice can change the dish and make it your own. If you're gluten-free, don't worry! There are great pasta alternatives. Look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These options cook well and taste great with the sauce. You can also skip the pasta altogether. Serve the shrimp over rice or cauliflower rice instead. This keeps the flavors while meeting your dietary needs. To store leftover shrimp scampi, place it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. Then, cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep the shrimp and sauce together for the best flavor. When reheating shrimp scampi, the goal is to keep it moist. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan. This helps to prevent the dish from drying out. Stir gently to warm it through. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from getting tough. Heat until warm, but don’t overdo it! You can freeze shrimp scampi, but the texture may change. If you decide to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container. Use it within one month for the best taste. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth as needed. This will help revive the flavors. You can serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with a few tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Garlic Bread: It soaks up the sauce well and adds a nice crunch. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus work well. They add color and nutrients. - Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly. - Rice or Quinoa: These options are great for soaking up the delicious lemon sauce. These sides make your meal more balanced and flavorful. You can prepare some parts in advance. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately, then store them in the fridge. - Pasta: Cook it al dente, cool it, and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp and let it cool. Store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat everything together in a skillet. This keeps the flavors fresh. Cooked shrimp can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. - If you see any changes in color or smell, it’s best to throw it out. - When in doubt, always check for freshness before eating. Storing it properly helps maintain its taste and safety. This blog post covered everything you need for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and make it your own with variations. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste later. Enjoy making this dish your own and impressing your guests. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right guidance. Get creative and let your kitchen skills shine!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish with lemon and garlic, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 2 lemons juice
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • to taste grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
  • Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add the chicken broth and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Keyword pasta, quick meal, scampi, seafood, shrimp