Easy Shrimp Scampi

$To make Easy Shrimp Scampi, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference) - 1 cup chicken broth (substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste You can swap some ingredients based on your taste or what you have at home: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish. - Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken if you prefer. - For a gluten-free option, try zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. - Lemon juice can be replaced with lime juice for a twist. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for cooking shrimp - A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping parsley - A cutting board for prep - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy These items will help you whip up this dish quickly and easily. If you want the complete process, check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps. First, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. When done, drain the pasta, but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This will help your sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir it often for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not brown, as that can change the taste. Next, turn the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and be fully cooked. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Carefully pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and the juice of 1 lemon. Add the lemon zest as well. Stir all of this together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will reduce the sauce a bit and make it rich in flavor. Now it's time to combine everything. Add the drained pasta right into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Gently toss it all together, so the pasta gets coated in that delicious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This makes the sauce even creamier. For the final touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve the dish warm, either right from the skillet or in a big bowl. Enjoy this easy and flavorful delight! You can find the full recipe [here](#). To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. When you heat your skillet, make sure it’s hot before adding the shrimp. This helps create a nice sear. Cook the shrimp in a single layer. This way, they cook evenly. Flip them when they turn pink, and they will be ready in about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough, so watch closely! To make your shrimp scampi burst with flavor, use quality ingredients. Fresh garlic creates a rich taste. You can also add lemon zest for a bright kick. Try adding capers or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. Herbs like parsley and basil add freshness. If you like heat, adjust red pepper flakes to your taste. You can also finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty touch. Timing is key for a great shrimp scampi dish. Start by boiling the pasta first. While it cooks, prepare your shrimp and sauce. This keeps everything fresh and hot. Drain the pasta once it’s al dente, and don’t forget to save some pasta water. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Combine everything right away for the best flavor. Serve your dish immediately to enjoy the vibrant tastes. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can add fresh vegetables to your shrimp scampi. This adds flavor and color. Try using bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. They cook quickly and blend well with shrimp. Simply sauté them with garlic before adding shrimp. This way, you get a healthy twist on the classic dish. If you want a gluten-free option, you have choices. Look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These options taste great and hold the sauce well. You can also use spiralized vegetables, like zucchini or carrots. They are fun to eat and low in carbs. Both options keep the dish light and flavorful. Do you like heat? You can easily spice up your shrimp scampi. Add more red pepper flakes for extra kick. You could also include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Mix in some cayenne pepper for another layer of flavor. Just remember to adjust to your taste. Enjoy the heat while keeping the dish balanced. These variations let you customize your shrimp scampi. They make it fun and unique every time you cook. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for 2-3 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This keeps the flavors intact. When you reheat shrimp scampi, use low heat. A skillet works best. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can freeze shrimp scampi too! Just place it in a freezer-safe container. Use it within three months for best flavor. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing it with pasta; they don't hold up well. Instead, cook fresh pasta when you're ready to eat. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Making Easy Shrimp Scampi takes about 20 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. This fast dish fits well into any busy schedule. You can enjoy a tasty meal in no time. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Using frozen shrimp may add a few extra minutes to your cook time. Shrimp Scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for dipping in the sauce - A fresh green salad for a light touch - Steamed vegetables for extra color and flavor - A glass of white wine to enhance the meal Yes, you can safely reheat shrimp leftovers. Just make sure to heat them gently. Use low heat on the stove or in the microwave. This helps keep the shrimp tender and tasty. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. This blog post covered easy shrimp scampi from start to finish. We looked at key ingredients, substitutions, and tools. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips to elevate your dish. Variations give you room to tailor it to your taste, while storage tips ensure nothing goes to waste. As you make your shrimp scampi, remember these insights to create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Indulge in this mouthwatering Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that's perfect for any weeknight dinner! With tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a tangy lemon sauce tossed with linguine, this recipe is a delight for your taste buds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick and easy meal that only takes 20 minutes to prepare.

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)

1 cup chicken broth (substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, making sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.

Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is aromatic but not browned, to avoid bitterness.

Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp have turned a lovely pink color and are fully cooked. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Create the Sauce: Carefully pour in the chicken broth, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly reduced.

Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish with Butter: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, mixing until it is fully melted and incorporated into the dish.

Garnish and Serve: To serve, sprinkle the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy the scampi warm, either directly from the skillet for a casual presentation or transfer it to a large serving bowl.

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

- Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching serving, arrange the shrimp and pasta in the center of the dish, ensuring the vibrant colors are visible. Garnish with extra parsley and a few lemon wedges alongside. For an extra touch of flavor, consider sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.