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For a tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, you need these key ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a savory dish bursting with flavor. The shrimp adds protein, while the pasta provides a hearty base. To elevate your dish, consider these optional ingredients: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Adding parsley brightens the dish, and Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty kick. You can mix and match based on your taste. You'll need a few tools to make this recipe easy: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking shrimp - Colander for draining pasta - Measuring spoons for accuracy - Tongs or a pasta fork for tossing Having the right tools makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Each item plays a key role in creating your meal. To start, we need to cook the pasta. Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water to flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining the pasta, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This will help us later. While the pasta cooks, we can get the shrimp ready. Take 1 pound of large shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the shrimp sear better. Next, season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure every shrimp is covered. This simple seasoning will enhance the shrimp's natural flavor. Now comes the fun part! In a large skillet, set the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the butter melt and mix with the oil. Once melted, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid burning. After the garlic smells amazing, it’s time to add the shrimp. Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes over them. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp. Then, stir in the lemon zest and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix until the butter melts and blends in. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed. This will ensure the dish is moist and rich. If you want, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Now you have a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, ready to serve! To cook shrimp just right, follow these steps: - Pat them dry: Remove moisture with paper towels. - Season well: Use salt and pepper before cooking. - Heat the pan: Use medium heat to avoid burning. - Cook quickly: Shrimp cook fast, about 2-3 minutes per side. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking makes them tough. Lemon adds brightness to shrimp scampi. Here’s how to use it: - Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. - Zest: Add lemon zest for a fragrant touch. - Red pepper flakes: Adjust these to your spice level. - Fresh herbs: Use chopped parsley for freshness. Mix these flavors as you cook to create a delightful dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them: - Shrimp are rubbery: This means they were overcooked. - Too dry: Add some reserved pasta water to moisten. - Not enough flavor: Increase lemon juice or seasonings to taste. Address these issues quickly to enjoy a tasty meal. {{image_2}} You can boost your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with fresh veggies. Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies not only add color but also pack vitamins. Simply toss them in the skillet after the garlic. Sauté for a few minutes before adding the shrimp. This makes the dish more healthy and satisfying. While linguine or spaghetti are great, you can switch it up. Use fettuccine, penne, or even whole-grain pasta. Each type brings a unique texture. If you want a lighter option, try zucchini noodles. They soak up the flavors well and keep it fresh. Just remember to adjust cooking time if using fresh pasta. Experiment with seasonings to make the dish your own. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They enhance the flavor of the shrimp. For a kick, use a touch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. If you love citrus, add lime juice or zest for a twist. Each choice can change the vibe of your meal. To store your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. This keeps it fresh and helps prevent spoilage. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot left, you might want to divide it into smaller portions. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Place the scampi in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it heats through. Avoid using high heat, as this can make the shrimp tough. You can also use a microwave; just cover it and heat in short bursts. If you want to freeze your scampi, it’s best to do so without the pasta. Shrimp can lose texture when frozen. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, cook fresh pasta and combine it with the shrimp. The best shrimp for scampi is large shrimp. They hold up well during cooking. Look for shrimp that are fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined. Size matters; larger shrimp give a better bite. They also soak up the garlic and butter flavors nicely. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. While linguine is traditional, spaghetti works well too. You can even try penne or fettuccine for a fun twist. Just remember to cook it al dente for the best texture. To make this dish gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Check the package for cooking times, as they can differ from regular pasta. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi can be healthy. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. The dish has healthy fats from olive oil and butter, but keep portion sizes in mind. You can also add veggies for added nutrients, making it even healthier. This blog post covered the key parts of making garlic butter shrimp scampi. We looked at ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking instructions. Tips help you cook shrimp perfectly and avoid mistakes. You can even try variations, like different pastas or adding veggies. Lastly, we shared how to store and reheat leftovers. Now, you are ready to create a delicious dish. Enjoy the flavors and get creative!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic and butter sauce served over linguine or spaghetti. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty seafood delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

    Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

      Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

        Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

          Add Lemon Flavor: Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and stir in the lemon zest. Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.

            Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

              Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. For an extra touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an appealing finish.