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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - ½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges, for serving When I cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, I focus on fresh and quality ingredients. Start with large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for the best taste. I use unsalted butter, which lets me control the salt. Minced garlic is a must. It adds that rich flavor we all love. Optional ingredients can change the dish. If you enjoy a kick, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice heat. Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the flavors beautifully. You can use chicken broth or seafood stock to add depth to the sauce. Choosing the right pasta is key. I prefer linguine or spaghetti. They hold the sauce well. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Lastly, lemon wedges are perfect for serving. They give a zesty finish when squeezed over the dish. You can find the full recipe in our article. Enjoy cooking this simple delight! 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. 1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. 2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. 1. Increase heat to medium-high. 2. Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. 1. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape any browned bits from the pan. 2. Let it simmer to reduce slightly, around 2-3 minutes. 1. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. 2. Toss pasta with the sauce, then add shrimp back to the skillet. Garnish with lemon zest and parsley. 1. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. 2. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added flavor. When picking shrimp, you have two main options: fresh or frozen. Fresh shrimp should smell like the sea, not fishy. Look for firm, translucent flesh. Frozen shrimp is often just as good. It’s frozen right after catching, keeping its flavor. If you choose frozen, thaw them slowly in the fridge overnight. To peel shrimp, hold the body and twist off the shell. Pinch the tail to remove it easily. You should devein shrimp too. Use a knife to make a shallow cut along the back. Then, lift out the dark vein with your fingers. This makes your dish cleaner and more pleasant. Adjusting the red pepper flakes can make a big difference in your dish. If you like heat, add more flakes. If you prefer mild, use less. Start with a teaspoon, then taste and adjust. This helps you find the perfect spice level. Fresh lemon juice is key for bright flavor. It wakes up the dish and balances the butter's richness. Squeeze the juice right before adding it to keep it fresh. Zesting the lemon first adds a nice hint of citrus too. To make the sauce creamy, use reserved pasta water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Start by adding a few tablespoons. Stir and see if you want more. It’s easy to control the sauce's thickness this way. Timing is vital when adding ingredients. Cook the shrimp until they are just pink. Remove them before they overcook. Add them back at the end to keep them tender. This gives you perfect shrimp in your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_4}} You can easily make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi more colorful and nutritious by adding vegetables. Spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers work well. These veggies add flavor and texture. - Spinach wilts nicely in the sauce, adding a rich green color. - Chopped tomatoes bring sweetness and freshness. - Bell peppers add crunch and a pop of color. You can also think about seasonal vegetables. For example, zucchini in summer or butternut squash in fall. This way, you can enjoy fresh flavors year-round. If you want to switch things up, try using olive oil or ghee instead of butter. - Olive oil gives a fruity flavor and is a heart-healthy option. - Ghee has a nutty taste and is great for those with lactose issues. Both options change the dish’s flavor while keeping it tasty. Plus, they might suit different diets better. The type of pasta you choose can change the dish. You can explore gluten-free options like rice or quinoa pasta. These options cater to gluten-free diets while keeping the dish delicious. If you want a lighter meal, consider zoodles. Zoodles are spiralized zucchini noodles that add freshness. They taste great with the shrimp and sauce, making a fun alternative. Try these variations to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi your own! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to eat it within this time for the best flavor. If you want to freeze this dish, it is easy! First, let the shrimp scampi cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Remember to leave some room for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months without losing flavor. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pan over low heat until warm. To reheat your shrimp scampi, avoid overcooking. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. This will help keep the shrimp tender and tasty. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is quick to prepare. It takes about 10 minutes to get ready and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you need about 25 minutes. This makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After they are thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio is a great choice. It enhances the flavors of the shrimp and butter. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños or chopped fresh chilies. These additions will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. Yes, this dish works well for meal prep. You can cook a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the shrimp and pasta separate until you are ready to eat. This helps maintain their textures. Absolutely! If you want a low-carb option, skip the pasta. You can serve the shrimp over zoodles, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of sautéed spinach. These alternatives keep the dish light and healthy. For the complete recipe, you can refer to the Full Recipe. Enjoy your cooking! In this post, we explored making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking methods, and variations for customization. Remember to choose fresh shrimp and adjust flavors to your liking. You can also make this dish gluten-free or even add veggies. Whether you store leftovers or share with friends, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy creating this delightful meal at home, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Discover the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy and flavorful recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp meet a rich garlic butter sauce, all tossed with linguine for a dish that's sure to impress. In just 25 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Click to explore the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable! Your taste buds will thank you for this vibrant dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock (your choice)

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but take care not to let it brown, as this can impart a bitter flavor.

      Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth (or seafood stock) and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, incorporating all the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer for around 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined. Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the lemon zest and chopped parsley. If the pasta appears too dry, gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.

            Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 25 mins | Serves 4