Easy Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Shrimp is the star of this dish. Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best taste. You can use frozen shrimp if needed, but make sure to thaw them first. Pasta adds a great base. Linguine or spaghetti works well here. Butter brings richness and creaminess to the dish. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Garlic gives a strong flavor that pairs well with shrimp. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Lemon adds brightness. The zest gives a strong lemon flavor, while the juice adds freshness. Red pepper flakes give a kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. It also enhances the dish’s look. Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty flavor. You can sprinkle it on top when serving. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp Scampi. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should still be firm when you bite it. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Then, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Now, add the 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Next, pour in the juice and zest from 1 lemon. Stir to mix all the flavors. This adds a fresh taste to the dish. After that, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until it melts. Now, take the cooked pasta and toss it into the skillet with the shrimp. Mix everything well. If it looks dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. Keep mixing until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top. This makes the dish look nice. For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese when serving. For the full recipe, check the details above. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh shrimp tastes better than frozen. Buy shrimp from a trusted source. Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich taste. Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice. The zest adds a bright flavor. Adjust spice levels to your liking. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, use less. To make the shrimp tender, don’t overcook them. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. For perfect pasta, aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Follow the cooking time on the package. Taste a piece before draining. It should have a slight bite. Pair Easy Shrimp Scampi with side dishes that complement the meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables works well. Garlic bread adds a nice touch too. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. You can also add lemon slices for color. Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds rich flavor. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type in shrimp scampi. Instead of linguine, try fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta. Each type adds a unique touch. If you want a twist, try replacing shrimp with scallops or crab. These options still keep the dish light and tasty. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Consider tossing in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. They cook quickly and add color. You can also use different herbs. Basil, thyme, or even dill can create new tastes. Experimenting with flavors keeps this dish exciting. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. It cooks similarly and absorbs flavors well. If you need a dairy-free option, skip the butter. Use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both keep the dish rich without dairy. Enjoy shrimp scampi tailored to your needs with these simple swaps. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp Scampi. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the shrimp scampi first. It lasts in the fridge for up to two days. When you want to eat it again, just check for any strange smells or colors. If everything looks good, you can dig in! To freeze shrimp scampi, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Use it within three months for the best taste. Avoid freezing pasta, as it can become mushy when thawed. Instead, freeze just the shrimp and sauce. You can cook fresh pasta later to enjoy with your scampi. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until hot. If you prefer, you can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short bursts. This will help prevent it from overcooking. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! Making Easy Shrimp Scampi is quick! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can have this tasty meal ready to serve. This speed makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can make Easy Shrimp Scampi in advance. Cook it, cool it, then store it in the fridge for up to two days. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it moist. Easy Shrimp Scampi pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh garden salad for a light touch - Roasted vegetables for added flavor - Steamed rice for a filling side These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! This blog post covers easy shrimp scampi, from ingredients to tips for success. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and garlic. I shared instructions for cooking pasta and shrimp perfectly. We looked at ways to enhance the flavor and variations for dietary needs. In conclusion, you can make a delicious shrimp scampi that fits your taste. Enjoy experimenting with fresh ingredients and serving ideas. Simple steps lead to a tasty meal that impresses everyone. Happy cooking!$

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic and lemon butter sauce. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Join the culinary excitement and click through to explore the full recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: 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 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Combine Ingredients: Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and stir to combine all the flavors. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted.

Mix Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish with Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish, tossing gently to incorporate.

Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4