![- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - Salt and pepper, to taste - Lemon wedges for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making great garlic butter shrimp scampi. I always start with fresh shrimp. The size matters; large shrimp create a nice bite. Peel and devein them for the best texture. Next, I grab unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and flavor. I use four cloves of minced garlic, which bring a lovely aroma and taste. For heat, I add red pepper flakes. Just half a teaspoon gives a nice kick. I also use chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. These two ingredients balance the dish. The broth adds depth while the lemon juice brings brightness. Finally, I like to finish the dish with parsley. Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all those great flavors. Lemon wedges on the side make for a perfect garnish. If you want the full recipe, you can check out the details above. To start, you need to cook the pasta. I recommend linguine or spaghetti for this dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it boils, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This water is key for adjusting the sauce later. Now, let's move on to cooking the shrimp. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not brown. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Make sure to season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to mix in any bits of flavor. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to get a creamy texture. Finally, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the chopped parsley. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. And just like that, you have a flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi ready to serve! For the full recipe, check the full recipe section. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are opaque. If you leave them too long, they will turn rubbery. For a creamy sauce, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This water contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky texture. Mix it in slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. To boost flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Both spices add depth and a bit of heat. You can also try a splash of white wine for extra richness. Fresh herbs like basil or chives can brighten your dish. Sprinkle them on just before serving for a fresh taste. Fresh lemon zest can also add a nice citrus note. A large skillet is best for making scampi. Look for one with a wide base. This allows for even cooking and easy stirring. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for mixing. These tools help you avoid scratching your skillet. A good set of measuring spoons helps ensure you get the right amounts. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} For those with dietary needs, there are great options. You can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make pasta from rice or corn. They cook up just as tasty. If you avoid dairy, try using vegan butter. It works well in this dish. You can also use olive oil for a lighter touch. Want more taste? You can add spices for heat. Try using more red pepper flakes or even cayenne. A little goes a long way in boosting flavor. You can also toss in veggies. Spinach wilts nicely, adding color and nutrients. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of flavor. Both options make the dish feel fresh and lively. Pair this dish with a crisp salad. A simple green salad balances the rich flavors of the shrimp. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting touch. Choosing the right pasta can enhance your meal. While linguine is classic, penne or fettuccine can work too. Each pasta shape brings a different texture to the table. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! To keep shrimp scampi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first. I recommend using glass containers. They help keep flavors strong and prevent spills. Label your container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until the shrimp is warm. This method helps maintain the dish's texture. You can also add a bit of butter for extra flavor. If you need a quick method, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze garlic butter shrimp scampi! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, as mentioned above. How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked? You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. The flesh will also curl slightly. If the shrimp are still gray, they need more time. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. This keeps them safe and easy to cook. What can I use instead of chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or white wine. Both options will add great flavor. If you want to keep it simple, water works too, but it won’t be as rich. How can I make this recipe more spicy? Add more red pepper flakes to the dish. You can also use fresh chopped chili peppers. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. What to serve with garlic butter shrimp scampi? This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh before serving. This keeps it from getting mushy. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. In this article, we covered the essentials for making delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi. You learned about the key ingredients and the step-by-step cooking process. I shared tips to perfect your shrimp and enhance the dish's flavor. We also discussed variations based on dietary needs and ways to store leftovers properly. Cooking shrimp scampi is simple and fun. With these tips and recipes, you can impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!](https://goodsouppot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/35433249-2aba-4ccd-bd77-ab88e7ffc6a9-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Dive into a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce over a bed of linguine. With simple ingredients and quick cooking steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish in just 25 minutes.