Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with a Zesty Twist

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving When making garlic butter shrimp scampi, fresh ingredients make a big difference. The shrimp should be large and fresh for the best taste. I always prefer linguine for this dish, but spaghetti works too. The unsalted butter adds richness. Using fresh garlic gives a strong flavor. Red pepper flakes add just the right kick, but you can adjust them to suit your taste. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Broth adds depth to the sauce and keeps it moist. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Salt and pepper are key for seasoning. - Different types of pasta You can switch up the pasta type. Try penne or fettuccine for a new twist. Each pasta shape holds the sauce differently, giving you a unique texture. - Large pot - Skillet You need a big pot for boiling the pasta. A skillet is a must for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook linguine or spaghetti, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is done, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about 30 seconds. You want to cook it until the garlic smells great, but don't let it burn. Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when ready. After that, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable broth, the zest, and juice of 1 lemon. Let this cook for 2 to 3 minutes to mix the flavors. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated well in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Look for shrimp that are pink and firm. Cook them in a hot skillet with butter. This helps to seal in their flavor. You should cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, or they will become tough. You can make this dish your own by changing the spice levels. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Zesting the lemon adds a bright flavor. The zest gives that extra punch without making the dish sour. You can also squeeze in more lemon juice for added zest. This will brighten the dish even more. The sauce should be rich but not too thick. If it seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. This water has starch, which helps to create a silky sauce. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired thickness. This step is key to making the dish creamy and smooth. It also helps to coat the pasta evenly for the best flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp over frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery. They should be pink and opaque when done. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference. You can also add fresh chili slices for an extra kick! Garnish with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. Don’t skip the lemon wedges! {{image_2}} You can change this dish by adding fresh veggies. Spinach brings a nice green color and rich taste. You can also toss in halved cherry tomatoes. They add sweetness and a pop of color. Simply sauté these with the garlic before adding shrimp. This makes your scampi more colorful and healthy. You can switch up the sauce too. Try using white wine instead of broth. It adds a nice depth and a touch of acidity. If you prefer cream, that works well too. Cream gives the sauce a rich, smooth texture. Both options enhance the dish's flavor in different ways. If you need gluten-free options, you have choices. Look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. These alternatives cook well and hold the sauce nicely. You can enjoy all the flavors without worrying about gluten. This makes the dish accessible for everyone. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid any smell from other foods. It stays good for about 2 to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the shrimp safe and tasty. When you reheat leftovers, do it slowly. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave, but cover it loosely to prevent drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, the flavor stays strong. Yes, you can freeze garlic butter shrimp scampi, but it’s best to freeze only the shrimp and sauce. Cooked pasta does not freeze well. Store the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the taste and texture just right. Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty dish. It features shrimp cooked in garlic and butter. This dish often uses pasta. The flavors blend well and create a rich, savory sauce. It comes from Italian cooking but has become popular worldwide. The bright lemon adds freshness, making it a favorite for many. Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, drain and pat them dry. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly. If you use frozen shrimp, adjust the cooking time slightly. Cook them just until pink and opaque. To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chopped chili peppers. Another option is to drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving. Just be careful not to overpower the dish. Balance is key to enhance the garlic and lemon flavors. Always taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. Don't forget to try different pasta or add vegetables for flavor. Storing leftovers properly keeps your meal fresh. Remember, you can adjust spice levels to meet your taste. Experimenting makes cooking fun! Enjoy making this dish and savoring it with family or friends. Good cooking brings joy, and with this recipe, you can create something special!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with a Zesty Twist

A delicious shrimp scampi dish with garlic butter and a zesty lemon twist.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon zest and juice
1 4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 4 cup freshly chopped parsley
to taste salt and pepper
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Plate the scampi and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi!

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, scampi, shrimp