Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Delight

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese In this dish, I focus on fresh shrimp and simple pasta. The ingredients are key to a rich flavor. Large shrimp are best, as they soak up the garlic butter well. I prefer linguine or spaghetti, but any pasta works. I love using unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil together. They create a smooth, rich base. Garlic is essential here. It brings warmth and a punch of taste. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to fit your spice level. A bit of heat makes the dish lively. Lemon adds brightness with its zest and juice. It cuts through the butter, making each bite pop. A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives color and freshness. If you want to boost the dish, chicken broth adds depth. Parmesan cheese can enhance the creaminess too. These extras can elevate your meal from good to great! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Next, add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente. Once done, drain the pasta. Remember to save 1/2 cup of pasta water for later! In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 5 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic fragrant and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. Now, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink, flip them over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are fully opaque. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and the juice from one lemon. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors blend nicely. Lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the drained pasta, and the lemon zest. Also, add the reserved pasta water. Toss everything with tongs until the pasta is coated in the sauce and warmed through. To serve, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve in a large, shallow pasta bowl. For a nice look, arrange lemon wedges around the bowl and sprinkle extra parsley on top. Enjoy your meal! To make your dish just right, adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. If you like heat, add more. You can also choose different spices. Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or lemon zest for a fresh twist. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen works well too. Look for shrimp that is firm and smells clean. When choosing size, larger shrimp makes a better dish. They cook evenly and look great on the plate. Always buy shrimp that is peeled and deveined for ease. To avoid rubbery shrimp, don’t overcook them. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes just 4-6 minutes. For perfect pasta, cook until al dente. Drain it, but save some pasta water. This water helps to create a smooth sauce. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always opt for fresh shrimp if possible, as they have a superior flavor and texture compared to frozen shrimp. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, usually taking only a few minutes. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them and remove from heat once they turn pink and opaque. Adjust Spice to Taste: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your spice preference. Start with a small amount and taste the dish as you go, adding more if you enjoy a spicier kick. Enhance with Fresh Herbs: While parsley is fantastic, consider adding fresh basil or chives for an extra layer of flavor. They complement the shrimp and lemon beautifully. {{image_4}} You can make this dish your own by swapping ingredients. For a low-carb option, try using zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Zucchini noodles are light and tasty. They soak up all the garlic butter sauce, making them a great choice. If shrimp isn’t your thing, consider using scallops or chicken. Both options cook well and absorb flavor nicely. Scallops add a sweet touch, while chicken offers heartiness. Adding white wine can deepen the flavor of the dish. Just a splash while cooking will do. You can also add lemon zest for a bright kick. This extra layer makes each bite more vibrant. Try including cherry tomatoes or spinach for added color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, while spinach wilts down nicely. Both add great texture and taste to the dish. You can adapt your cooking style to suit your needs. A one-pan method is easy and quick. Just cook the pasta and shrimp together in the same skillet. This saves time and cuts down on dishes. Grilling shrimp is another fun option. It gives the shrimp a smoky flavor that pairs well with garlic butter. Just be careful not to overcook them. Grilled shrimp can elevate the dish to a whole new level. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store it properly. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This keeps the shrimp safe to eat. The scampi will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and seal it well. The scampi can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheating scampi needs care to keep it tasty. The best method is on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Place scampi in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can turn rubbery. Leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi lasts well when stored right. In the fridge, enjoy it for 3 to 4 days. If frozen, eat it within 2 months for the best taste. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy texture. If you see these signs, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses to keep your meals safe! I recommend using large shrimp. They cook evenly and look great on the plate. Look for shrimp that are fresh or frozen and peeled. You can choose wild-caught for better flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, go for Gulf shrimp. Yes, you can prep scampi in advance. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then cool them down. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just reheat gently. Cook the pasta fresh for the best taste. Yes, it can be gluten-free! Just swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten in ingredients. The rest of the dish is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it worry-free. You can use olive oil in place of butter. It adds a nice flavor but is less rich. Using half butter and half olive oil gives a good balance. Experiment to find what you like best! This blog post covered everything you need to know for a great shrimp scampi. We discussed main ingredients, how to prepare and cook, and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, you can customize flavor and make substitutions too. Don't forget to store any leftovers properly. With this knowledge, you can enjoy a tasty meal that impresses. Try making this dish soon and share it with friends. Simple ingredients and steps lead to delicious results. Enjoy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Delight

A delicious shrimp scampi dish with garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon, served over pasta.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon zest and juice
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously season it with salt. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, ensuring to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
In a spacious skillet heated over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, carefully watching that it doesn’t burn.
Introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow the shrimp to cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn a lovely pink hue, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are fully cooked through and opaque.
Carefully pour the chicken broth and the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, along with the drained pasta, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together with a pair of tongs until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce and warmed through.
Take the skillet off the heat and garnish the dish with the freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow pasta bowl and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for an appealing presentation.

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp