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For a great Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, you need some key ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend together to create a rich, savory dish. The shrimp are the stars, bringing a sweet, briny flavor. The garlic and butter add a smooth, creamy touch. Lemon juice brightens the dish, while red pepper flakes give a hint of heat. You can amp up the flavor with a few extra ingredients: - Fresh basil or oregano for herbal notes - Capers for a salty bite - White wine for a deeper taste - Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish These optional ingredients can enhance your scampi dish. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences. To make this dish, you'll need some basic tools: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for the sauce - A sharp knife for chopping garlic and herbs - A zester for the lemon - A pasta strainer for draining Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Using a skillet helps you keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook, ensuring they turn out perfect every time. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, start by cooking the pasta. In a big pot, boil salted water. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it as the package says. Be sure to check the time. When it's done, save 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside. Next, it’s time for the garlic butter sauce. Take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt, then add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burned. Once it smells great, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Now, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and add the zest. Stir well and let it cook for another minute. Now, let’s cook the shrimp. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often until the shrimp turn pink and cooked through. You want them tender and juicy. Finally, it’s time to mix it all. Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water little by little. Toss it all together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. This helps get the right texture and flavor. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should be just right for you! To keep shrimp tender, watch the cooking time closely. Shrimp cook fast. They usually need just 3 to 4 minutes. When they turn pink, they are done. Remove them from heat right away. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Always keep an eye on them while cooking. If you’re unsure, cut one open. It should be opaque inside. Good garlic makes a big difference. Always use fresh cloves for the best flavor. Start by peeling the garlic. Smash it lightly with the side of a knife. This makes it easier to chop. Mince the garlic finely so it cooks evenly. If you want a milder taste, you can soak it in water for 10 minutes. This can help reduce its strong flavor. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste often. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. For a zestier dish, add more lemon juice. It brightens the flavors. You can also try adding herbs like basil or oregano. These add depth to the dish. Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn color to avoid a rubbery texture. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It’s starchy and can help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency when mixed with your dish. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor. Fresh herbs also enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Balance Flavors: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or a splash more lemon juice can elevate the flavors significantly. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta in your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Spaghetti and linguine are great, but you can use penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type brings a unique texture. If you like a thicker sauce, try a short pasta like penne. It holds the sauce well and gives a nice bite. Just cook it according to package directions and follow the same steps for the sauce. Want to make your dish healthier? Add vegetables! Broccoli, asparagus, or spinach work well in this recipe. Simply toss them into the skillet with the shrimp. They cook fast and add color to your plate. You can also add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. This not only boosts nutrition, but it also makes the dish more vibrant and appealing. For a rich twist, try making a creamy version. After cooking the shrimp, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. Stir it in slowly to combine. This adds a smooth texture and a lovely richness. You can also sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This creamy variation makes the dish feel extra special, perfect for a fancy dinner. To keep leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the flavors intact. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep moisture. Stir often until hot. Avoid high heat, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them tough. You can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, but it’s best to do so without the pasta. Place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently as mentioned above. When you’re ready to serve, cook fresh pasta to enjoy with your scampi. The best shrimp for scampi is large shrimp, like 16/20 count. These shrimp are juicy and tender. They cook quickly and absorb flavors well. Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen works too. Always choose shrimp that looks firm and has a clean smell. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place the shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp from becoming tough. Always pat them dry before cooking. This helps to achieve a nice sear and flavor. To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that mimic regular pasta. You can also use zucchini noodles as a low-carb choice. Always check the labels for any hidden gluten in ingredients like broth. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread for dipping in sauce - A fresh green salad for crunch - Steamed vegetables for added nutrients - Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce You can prep some parts ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, heat the sauce, add the shrimp, and combine with pasta. This method saves time and keeps the dish fresh. This article covered how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. You learned about key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking. Tips showed how to avoid overcooking shrimp and enhance flavors. We explored variations and storage methods for your leftovers. In the end, following these steps will help you make a tasty dish. Enjoy the cooking process and impress your family and friends with your skills!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish with garlic, butter, and lemon served over pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • None to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • None for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let it cook for about a minute.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and extra parsley for garnish.
Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp