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To make this dish, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference) - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving These ingredients work together to create a rich and tasty dish. Adding garnishes can enhance the meal. Here are some ideas: - Extra parsley for color - Grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch - A sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat - Lemon slices for extra zest You can mix and match to find your favorite. You might not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are some easy swaps: - Use shrimp alternatives like scallops or chicken - Swap out butter for olive oil for a lighter option - Use gluten-free pasta if needed - Try lime juice instead of lemon for a different flavor These options still keep the dish flavorful and fun. Enjoy experimenting! To start, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a 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. After cooking, drain the pasta but save about half a cup of the water. Set the pasta aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is sizzling, toss in 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. If it burns, it will taste bitter. Now it's time for the shrimp. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. This is how you know they are cooked through. With the shrimp ready, it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir everything well. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together nicely. Lower the heat again and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Swirl it into the sauce until it’s melted and smooth. Now, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. If it looks too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you like the consistency. Finish by stirring in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve this dish hot, with lemon wedges on the side. Check the Full Recipe for more details and enjoy your meal! To get the best shrimp, choose large, fresh ones. Look for shrimp that smell clean and ocean-like. When cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan. This way, shrimp cook evenly. Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque, signaling they are done. Garlic is key to this dish. Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced. Mince it finely for a strong flavor. Sauté the garlic in butter over medium heat. Watch it closely, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. You want it golden, not brown. Adding red pepper flakes with the garlic helps boost flavor without losing the garlic taste. The recipe calls for red pepper flakes to add heat. If you prefer less spice, use half a teaspoon or skip it altogether. For more heat, feel free to add more flakes. You can also try a dash of hot sauce to give your dish a kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. For the complete Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can boost the health of your garlic butter shrimp scampi by adding vegetables. Fresh spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely and adds color. You can also add cherry tomatoes. They burst with juice and give a sweet flavor. Try adding zucchini or bell peppers as well. Just sauté them before adding the shrimp. This way, you keep all the flavors working together. If you want a different method, try oven-baking your shrimp scampi. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a baking dish and melt the butter with garlic and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Bake for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and lets the flavors blend. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Cooking shrimp scampi doesn't have to be the same every time. You can add global flavors for a twist. For a Mexican vibe, try adding lime juice and cilantro. This brings a fresh, zesty taste. For an Italian twist, use sun-dried tomatoes and basil in your dish. You can also add coconut milk and curry powder for a Thai flair. Each variation gives you a new dish to enjoy while keeping the essence of shrimp scampi. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about two days in the fridge. Keeping it sealed helps maintain the flavors. When you're ready to eat it again, you can reheat the shrimp scampi. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently until it warms through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. If you want to freeze it, do so right after cooking. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Avoid freezing the dish with pasta. The pasta can become mushy. For best results, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately. You can find the full recipe for garlic butter shrimp scampi in this article for more guidance on cooking. For scampi, I recommend using large shrimp. They hold up well in the sauce and cook quickly. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ease. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works too. Just thaw them before cooking. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! There are many great options available, like rice or corn pasta. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl into a "C" shape. If they stay straight, they may be overcooked. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side for the best results. Garlic butter shrimp scampi pairs well with several sides. You can serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies. A light white wine also complements the flavor nicely. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor! Garlic butter shrimp scampi combines fresh ingredients and easy techniques. You learned how to select shrimp, prepare pasta, and make the sauce. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and avoiding common mistakes. This dish can be a crowd-pleaser, with many options for twists and variations. You can store leftovers easily and reheat them for another meal. Now you have all you need to create a tasty shrimp scampi at home! Enjoy your cooking journey.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the savory delight of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Discover how to cook succulent shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

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

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later, and set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful to keep it from burning to prevent a bitter taste.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

        Create the Sauce: With the shrimp cooked through, pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well to combine, then let the sauce simmer on low for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld nicely.

          Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, swirling it into the sauce until melted and the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.

            Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet with the shrimp and butter sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

              Add Freshness: Stir in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Ensure everything is well coated in the sauce.

                Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Plate the shrimp scampi in shallow bowls, garnishing with chopped parsley and lemon wedges to enhance the colorful presentation. Serve with warm, crusty bread for a delightful experience that’s perfect for dipping into the luscious garlic butter sauce!