![- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spiciness) - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Large shrimp are the star of this dish. They should be fresh or thawed if frozen. Use unsalted butter and olive oil for the best flavor. Garlic gives the dish its rich base. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but you can adjust them to your taste. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, while lemon zest enhances the flavor. Fresh parsley brings color and freshness, and salt and pepper tie it all together. - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) You can serve this dish over pasta if you like. Spaghetti or linguine works best, but you can use any pasta you have. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch, but it’s not a must. - Accurate measurements for best results - Possible ingredient substitutions For best results, measure the ingredients carefully. If you don’t have fresh shrimp, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can swap olive oil for another oil like avocado oil. If you want to skip the pasta, you can serve the shrimp scampi alone. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for precise steps and cooking times. 1. Bringing water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water. Turn on the heat and bring it to a boil. 2. Cooking spaghetti or linguine: Add your pasta, either spaghetti or linguine, to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, save 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the rest. 1. Heating olive oil and butter: In a large skillet, pour in 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts. 2. Cooking garlic and adding shrimp: Add 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute. Then, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. 1. Incorporating lemon juice and zest: Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the skillet. Add the zest from the same lemon, too. 2. Mixing in remaining butter: Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix everything until the butter melts and the flavors combine. 1. Tossing pasta with shrimp and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it with the shrimp and sauce until well combined. 2. Adjusting consistency with pasta water: If the dish looks dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. Keep adding until you reach your desired sauce consistency. 1. Garnishing with parsley: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. 2. Serving suggestions: Serve your garlic butter shrimp scampi hot. You can add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor if you like. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the main section. Enjoy your meal! To make great shrimp, look for a few signs. First, they should turn pink and curl slightly. This shows they are cooked just right. Also, avoid shrimp that are rubbery. This means they are overcooked. You can prevent overcooking by cooking them for only 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on their color and texture. If they start to turn opaque, they are done. You can boost the flavor of your garlic butter shrimp scampi with some extra spices. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh basil. Both add unique tastes. You can also serve your dish with crusty bread or a side salad. These pair well and help soak up the sauce. If you want to save time, prep your ingredients first. Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time. You can also chop your garlic and parsley in advance. For quick cooking, use a large skillet. This helps everything cook evenly and fast. You can have this meal ready in about 25 minutes. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta for a twist. Try penne or fettuccine instead. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and color. Think about bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. These veggies cook quickly and blend well with shrimp. Mixing in new flavors keeps the dish exciting. For a Thai twist, add coconut milk and lime. To go Mediterranean, try sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes. A pinch of cayenne gives a nice kick too! Serve your shrimp scampi with sides like garlic bread or a fresh salad. This adds balance to the meal. Want something different? Make a shrimp scampi bake! Mix everything and bake it until bubbly. This makes a great dish for gatherings or family dinners. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To store leftovers, place your garlic butter shrimp scampi in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Allow it to cool before sealing. Your dish will stay good for up to three days in the fridge. When you reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to warm without cooking the shrimp further. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. You can freeze shrimp scampi for later use. Just make sure it is cool and in an airtight container. This method helps preserve the flavor. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For best taste, avoid thawing in the microwave. Instead, reheat it gently on the stove. In the fridge, garlic butter shrimp scampi lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Look for signs of spoilage. If the shrimp smells off or has a slimy texture, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a classic dish that combines shrimp, garlic, and butter. It has roots in Italian-American cuisine. The dish often includes pasta, usually spaghetti or linguine. It’s quick to make and offers a burst of flavor. The garlic and butter create a rich sauce, while the shrimp add a sweet taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. First, thaw them by placing them in cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and pat them dry before cooking. This method helps keep them juicy and tender. Frozen shrimp are convenient and can taste just as good as fresh ones. To make garlic butter shrimp scampi gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free options. Look for rice pasta or zucchini noodles. These alternatives work well and still taste great. Cook them according to package directions for the best results. Using lemon is highly recommended in this recipe. Lemon adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter. It enhances the flavor of the shrimp and makes the dish taste fresh. Without lemon, the dish may taste flat and less exciting. Yes, you can enjoy shrimp scampi without pasta. Serve it over steamed vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This way, you still get all the great flavors without the carbs. This blog post covered all the key steps to make a delicious shrimp scampi. We explored essential and optional ingredients, how to cook the perfect shrimp, and tips for flavor. You learned how to store leftovers and variations you can try. Remember, cooking should be fun. Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Enjoy your meal and impress others with your skills.](https://cheftaling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/297f4376-ab30-4b89-a888-6aa546d24236-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Packed with succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Follow our simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish in just 25 minutes. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to discover how to make this delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi!