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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice) - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and black pepper to taste - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving) Use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. The butter should be unsalted, as it lets you control the salt. Fresh garlic is key for a strong flavor. Choose a good brand of chicken broth for a rich base. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. If you can't find fresh shrimp, frozen works well, too. Just thaw them before cooking. You can swap unsalted butter with ghee for a dairy-free option. For a kick, use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using mushrooms or zucchini instead of shrimp. Gluten-free pasta is a great choice for those avoiding gluten. {{ingredient_image_2}} If you want to add pasta, start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once the water is ready, add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside. In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely. Once melted, swirl the pan to mix the oil and butter. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute or until you smell its great aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as this can ruin the dish. Now it’s time for the star of the dish—shrimp! Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out evenly. Season them with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate to keep warm. In the same skillet, pour in 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Take a wooden spoon and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. This ensures you get all the flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to combine the flavors. Reduce the heat and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything gently to warm the shrimp and blend the sauce. If you cooked pasta, now is the time to stir in some reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce. Toss everything together if serving with pasta. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. To get perfect shrimp, use fresh or thawed shrimp. They should be pink and firm. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp cook fast. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. They turn opaque when done. If they curl tightly, they are overcooked. To boost flavor, add salt and pepper to taste. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. Fresh parsley gives a burst of freshness. Don’t forget to taste and adjust as needed. For a lovely look, serve the dish in a shallow bowl. Twirl pasta on a fork for elegance. Garnish with more parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and charm. Serving with crusty bread helps soak up the sauce. Enjoy the beautiful meal you’ve created! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh shrimp and high-quality butter will significantly enhance the flavor of your scampi, making it more aromatic and delicious. Perfect Pasta: If serving with pasta, make sure to cook it al dente. This will help it hold up against the sauce without becoming mushy. Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more if desired. Garnish for Presentation: Adding extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a fresh burst of flavor to the dish. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Consider sautéing spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These add color and nutrients. You can also swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a plant-based meal. Just adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. You can also serve the shrimp on rice or quinoa. Both options taste great and fit the gluten-free diet. Just ensure the broth and any sauces are gluten-free too. You can change up the flavors with fresh herbs. Try basil, thyme, or even dill. Add more heat by using cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, mix in white wine or cream into the sauce. These little tweaks make the dish your own and keep it exciting! After you enjoy your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, store leftovers right away. Place the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container. Add pasta if you have any left. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. The shrimp will stay fresh, but they taste best when eaten right away. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Cook until hot, stirring gently. If you used pasta, you can also reheat it in boiling water for a minute. This method keeps the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy. You can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, but it’s best to skip the pasta. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Use it within three months for best taste. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Cooking shrimp is fast. It only takes about 4 to 6 minutes. You want them pink and opaque. This shows they are cooked just right. Don't overcook them; they can get tough. Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just thaw them before cooking. You can place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This quick method helps them thaw safely and evenly. You can serve it with pasta like linguine or spaghetti. A fresh salad also pairs nicely. Garlic bread is another tasty side. It helps soak up the rich sauce. The spice level is mild to medium. You control it with red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then add more if you like it spicy. It's best to enjoy it fresh. However, you can prep ingredients in advance. Chop the garlic and parsley, and thaw the shrimp. This saves time when you cook. In this blog post, we covered all you need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. We explored key ingredients and how to choose quality ones. Then, I guided you through each cooking step, from prepping the pasta to making a delicious sauce. You learned helpful tips to enhance flavor and present your dish well. We also discussed tasty variations and how to store leftovers safely. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to experiment with new flavors!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp dish cooked in garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice)
  • 1 2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta (if using): Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  • Prepare the Base: In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, swirling the pan gently to mix.
  • Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 1 minute or until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn for a perfect flavor.
  • Add Spice: Stir in the red pepper flakes and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Cook the Shrimp: Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Set Aside the Shrimp: Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate to keep warm.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, creating a flavorful base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for roughly 2 minutes.
  • Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the freshly chopped parsley, stirring gently until the shrimp are warmed through and the sauce is beautifully blended.
  • Adjust the Sauce: If you opted to cook pasta, stir in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, for a silkier consistency. Toss everything together if serving with pasta.
  • Final Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in a large shallow bowl or a wide plate, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.
Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp