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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) The main ingredients for shrimp scampi are simple yet flavorful. Large shrimp are the star of this dish. When you pick shrimp, look for ones that are firm and fresh. Spaghetti or linguine makes a perfect base. Both types hold the sauce well. Garlic gives a rich taste, while red pepper flakes add just the right kick. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) The additional ingredients enhance the dish. Butter and olive oil create a smooth sauce. Lemon juice and zest brighten the flavors. Salt and pepper help balance the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you love cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan for extra flavor. This shrimp scampi recipe is easy, quick, and truly tasty. For the full recipe, see above. 1. Boil salted water: Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Salt adds flavor to the pasta. 2. Cook pasta until al dente: Add the spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions. Al dente means the pasta is firm but cooked. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 1. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1-2 minutes. The garlic should smell great but not brown. 2. Cook shrimp until pink: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. 1. Mix shrimp with pasta and sauce: Once the shrimp is cooked, squeeze lemon juice and add zest over them. Then, mix in the cooked pasta. Toss it all together so the pasta gets coated with sauce. 2. Adjust consistency with pasta water: If the dish feels dry, add some reserved pasta water. This helps make the sauce creamy and smooth. Stir in the remaining butter until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. To make the garlic shine, avoid browning it. Cook it for just 1-2 minutes. When you smell its fresh scent, it's ready. If you want heat, adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a little and add more if you like it spicy. Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Look for shrimp that smells clean, not fishy. When cooking, don't overcrowd the skillet. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and stay tender. Cook them in a single layer for the best results. Adding herbs can boost the flavor. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. You can also try basil or thyme for a twist. Don't be afraid to experiment! Adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes can make your dish even better. They add color and extra nutrients, plus they taste great! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can easily adjust shrimp scampi to fit your taste. Adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes makes the dish more colorful and healthy. Simply toss them in when you cook the shrimp. They will wilt or soften quickly, adding flavor and nutrients. You can also swap pasta types. If you want a twist, try using zoodles (zucchini noodles) or whole wheat pasta. Each option adds a unique texture and taste. Choose what you like best! If you're gluten-free, there are great options. You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. It cooks up just like regular pasta, so you won't miss out on flavor. For vegans or vegetarians, swap the shrimp for mushrooms or chickpeas. They absorb the garlic and lemon flavors well, giving you a tasty dish. You can use vegan butter and olive oil to keep it plant-based. Want to change up the flavors? Adding different citrus can enhance your dish. Lime or orange juice brings a fresh twist. You can mix and match for fun! Using fresh herbs can really lift the taste. Basil, cilantro, or thyme can add depth. Try these instead of parsley for a new flavor profile. You can even add spices like cumin or paprika for a kick! To store leftover shrimp scampi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps maintain its taste and texture. In the fridge, it lasts for 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. Freezing shrimp scampi is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. It can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on low. This keeps the shrimp from overcooking. When you reheat shrimp scampi, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat for best results. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. This way, the shrimp stays tender and juicy. You want to enjoy every bite! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi. To defrost frozen shrimp, place it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can also run cold water over the shrimp for about 10-15 minutes. Just make sure to pat it dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear better and prevents extra water in your dish. I love serving shrimp scampi with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds nice crunch and flavor. Garlic bread pairs well, soaking up the tasty sauce. For drinks, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It matches the dish's flavors perfectly. You could also serve sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch. To make shrimp scampi less greasy, I suggest balancing the butter and olive oil. Use less butter or replace some with vegetable broth. This keeps the dish flavorful without too much fat. Another tip is to sauté the garlic with just olive oil first. Then, add the butter at the end for a richer taste without excess grease. This blog post covered making shrimp scampi. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and expert tips. We discussed how to customize with veggies or different pasta. Also, we shared storage and reheating methods to keep your dish fresh. Shrimp scampi can be easy and fun. With these tools, you can create a dish everyone loves. Dive in and enjoy your cooking journey!

Shrimp Scampi Made Easy

Indulge in a gourmet experience at home with this easy Shrimp Scampi recipe! This quick and tasty dish brings together fresh shrimp, garlic, and pasta for a flavor-packed meal ready in no time. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a weeknight treat, this recipe guides you step-by-step to create a satisfying dinner. Click through now and discover how to make your new favorite dish that will delight your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted.

      Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

        Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

          Squeeze the lemon juice and zest over the cooked shrimp. Stir to combine.

            Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently with the shrimp and the garlic sauce. If the mixture is too dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

              Finish by stirring in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

                Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4