![This recipe is simple and fun to make. Here’s what you need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Shrimp: You can use scallops or chicken instead. - Butter: Olive oil works well for a lighter touch. - Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or white wine can add nice flavor. - Parsley: Fresh basil or cilantro can give a different taste. - Lemon: Lime juice can be a zesty alternative. These substitutes keep the dish tasty and fun. You can mix and match as you like! This easy garlic shrimp scampi takes just 25 minutes to make. You will need about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for busy nights. You can serve it to four people, so it’s great for a small family meal or a cozy dinner. 1. Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain it. Set the pasta aside in a bowl. 2. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it is bubbly, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. 3. Make the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until it smells great and turns lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. 4. Add flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Raise the heat a bit to bring this to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend well. 5. Combine everything: Add the shrimp back to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta and half of the 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Toss gently, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a creamy sauce. It should not be too thick. 6. Finish and serve: Taste the dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with the rest of the parsley and some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. - Use fresh shrimp for the best taste. - Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. - Be careful with the garlic; it should be fragrant but not burnt. - Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce later. - Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon for a bright finish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your cooking! When making garlic shrimp scampi, avoid these common errors: - Overcooking shrimp: Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. They should be pink and firm, not rubbery. - Burning garlic: Sauté garlic on medium-low heat. Brown garlic adds flavor, but burnt garlic ruins your dish. - Skipping pasta water: Reserve some pasta cooking water. It helps create a creamy sauce. To make your scampi even tastier: - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and garlic will give the best flavor. - Add herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. You can also try basil or oregano for extra flavor. - Experiment with spices: Adjust red pepper flakes for heat. A pinch of smoked paprika can add depth. Cooking pasta is simple, but there are key tips: - Use plenty of water: A large pot helps the pasta cook evenly. - Salt the water: This adds flavor to the pasta. Aim for a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. - Don’t rinse pasta: Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce stick. Keep it warm and toss it with the shrimp and sauce right away. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to your garlic shrimp scampi. Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work well. Just sauté them for a few minutes before adding the shrimp. This adds color and nutrients without changing the dish's taste much. Plus, you get a nice crunch with each bite. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids or anyone who needs more greens. If you want to switch things up, you can use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it until golden and cooked through, just like the shrimp. For scallops, sear them for a few minutes on each side. Both options add their own unique flavor to the dish. This makes it fun to try new things while keeping the same garlic sauce. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available now, like rice or quinoa pasta. They cook similarly to regular pasta. Just follow the package instructions. You can also serve the garlic shrimp over zucchini noodles as a fresh twist. This gives you a light meal that is still full of flavor. To store leftover shrimp scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep flavors fresh. Avoid leaving it out for too long, as this can lead to spoilage. When reheating, do it gently to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of broth or water. This keeps the dish moist. Stir often and check the shrimp closely. You want them warm but not rubbery. You can freeze shrimp scampi if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently as described above. Enjoy your meal even after a long time! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them defrost quickly and evenly. Using frozen shrimp is a great time saver and still gives you a tasty dish. You can tell shrimp are done when they turn bright pink and curl slightly. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes of cooking. If they look opaque and firm, they are ready to eat. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye! Garlic shrimp scampi pairs well with several dishes. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a delicious side. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for color. - A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the meal. Exploring these options will make your meal even better. Enjoy mixing flavors and textures! You can create a delicious Garlic Shrimp Scampi using easy ingredients and simple steps. The recipe includes cooking tips to prevent mistakes and ways to boost flavor. You can also make variations by adding veggies or using chicken. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best taste. This dish brings joy to any meal. By following this guide, you can impress family and friends with your cooking skills. Enjoy making your own tasty Shrimp Scampi!](https://joymealplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/198ad0f3-6fc3-464f-bcc6-4256f6587cb9-300x300.webp)
Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that's easy to make and bursting with flavor! This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with al dente pasta. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a dish that impresses everyone. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to discover the full recipe and get cooking today!