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To create a tasty garlic butter shrimp scampi, you will need these main ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients work together for a rich, buttery flavor that is hard to resist. The shrimp adds protein, while the pasta gives it a nice heartiness. The red pepper flakes give a little kick, but you can adjust that to match your taste. You can switch up the recipe with some optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor - Fresh basil or oregano for added herb notes - A splash of white wine for depth - Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option These additions let you make the dish your own and cater to different tastes or dietary needs. Experimenting is part of the fun in cooking! Pair your garlic butter shrimp scampi with sides that complement its flavors. Here are some great options: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread to soak up the buttery sauce - Steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli - A light pasta salad for extra texture These sides add variety to your meal and enhance the overall dining experience. You can mix and match based on what you enjoy or have on hand. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, boil a large pot of salted water. Add your linguine or spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, save about ½ cup of that starchy water. This water will help mix the sauce later on. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about a minute until it smells amazing. Now, add in your shrimp. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when they’re ready. After cooking, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors come together and the sauce to reduce a bit. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together well. Finally, return the shrimp to the skillet and mix until everything is heated through. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. You can find the full recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in the article. Enjoy your meal! When you pick shrimp, look for key signs of freshness. Fresh shrimp should smell clean, like the ocean. The shells should look shiny and moist. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy smell or dry shells. If you see black spots, skip those. Choose shrimp that feel firm to the touch. The size matters too, so go for large shrimp for this recipe. Cooking shrimp is quick, but timing matters. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy. Cook shrimp on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a nice pink color and a slight curl. When they turn opaque, they are done. If you're unsure, take one out to check. It should be tender and juicy. To make shrimp scampi shine, use fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs. Garlic adds a rich, savory taste. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Parsley gives a nice color and fresh flavor. You can even add red pepper flakes for some heat. Don’t forget to mix in your favorite herbs, like basil or thyme, to boost the flavor. These small touches make a big difference! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free. Just use gluten-free pasta instead of regular linguine or spaghetti. Many brands offer great options that cook well and taste good. You won't lose any flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more if you want it spicier. The heat pairs well with the garlic and butter. It adds a nice kick to the dish. For a creamy twist, add heavy cream. After cooking the shrimp, pour in about half a cup of cream. Stir until well mixed. This will give you a rich, silky sauce. The cream makes the dish feel more luxurious. You can even sprinkle in some cheese for extra flavor. Check the Full Recipe for all the steps to make this delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! To store leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish is cool before sealing it. This helps keep the shrimp fresh for longer. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. When you reheat shrimp scampi, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the shrimp from getting tough. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cook the shrimp unevenly. To freeze garlic butter shrimp scampi, first cool the dish completely. Then, transfer it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the sauce may expand. It can last in the freezer for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Try to consume it soon for best taste. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. If you want a substitute for shrimp, try scallops or chicken. You can also use firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember that cooking times may change. Scallops may cook faster, while chicken will need more time. Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just warm them up and mix in the sauce. This helps keep the shrimp tender. To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them quickly. Use high heat and don't overcook. Shrimp only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Also, make sure they are fresh. Fresh shrimp taste much better and have a better texture. Linguine or spaghetti works best for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Both types hold the sauce well. You can also try fettuccine for a thicker noodle. Choose the pasta you enjoy most for a tasty meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. This blog post covered all you need to know about Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. We explored key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for perfection. You learned about variations and how to store and reheat leftovers. Cooking scampi is fun and offers many choices. Trust your taste, and feel free to experiment. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your friends and family with your skills. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the flavors will delight everyone.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with pasta, ready in just 25 minutes. You'll love the burst of flavor from fresh lemon and the kick of red pepper flakes. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup vegetable broth

1 lemon, juiced and zested

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

        Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked linguine or spaghetti to the skillet along with the lemon juice and zest. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

            Finish and Serve: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if desired.

              Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if using.

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