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- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Sea salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Large pot - Skillet - Colander - Measuring cups and spoons To make Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta, gather these ingredients. The main ingredients create a tasty base. Linguine or spaghetti gives a nice texture. Large shrimp adds a sweet flavor. Garlic gives a strong taste. Butter and olive oil create a rich sauce. Optional ingredients add fun touches. Red pepper flakes give heat. Salt and pepper enhance flavor. Fresh parsley makes it bright and pretty. Parmesan cheese adds creaminess. You will need some simple tools. A large pot cooks the pasta. A skillet brings everything together. A colander helps drain the pasta. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy. For the full recipe, check the details provided. This dish is simple, quick, and delicious! To make this dish, start with cooking the pasta. First, boil a large pot of water. Don’t forget to add salt! The salt helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente, which is usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will help bring the dish together later. Next, we need to sauté the garlic. Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Let the butter melt and bubble gently. After that, add 4 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep stirring it so it doesn’t burn. You want it fragrant but not browned. Now, it's time to cook the shrimp! Add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the skillet. Season them with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring. You will see the underside turn pink. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Once the shrimp are ready, it's time to combine everything. Stir in the zest and juice of one fresh lemon. This brightens up the dish! Next, gently fold in the drained pasta. If it looks dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Do this one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess. Finally, let’s add the finishing touches! Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice richness to the meal. Enjoy your easy shrimp scampi pasta, a dish that impresses with every bite! For a full recipe, check the Full Recipe mentioned earlier. Choosing the right pasta I love using linguine for shrimp scampi. Its flat shape holds the sauce well. Spaghetti works too, but linguine gives a nice touch. Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. This means it’s firm to the bite. How to avoid overcooking shrimp Cook shrimp quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Start by cooking them without stirring for 2-3 minutes. When they turn pink, flip them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. They should look opaque and feel firm. Alternative pasta types You can switch to whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Both options taste great. They also add more fiber or cater to dietary needs. Vegetarian options or substitutes for shrimp Try using mushrooms or zucchini instead of shrimp. They soak up flavors and offer a great texture. You can also use tofu for added protein. Pairing with side dishes or salads Serve shrimp scampi with a crisp green salad. A simple Caesar or arugula salad works well. Garlic bread is a classic side that complements the dish nicely. Best beverages to complement the dish A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. Both options enhance the meal's flavors. For details on the ingredients and steps, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can spice up your shrimp scampi by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This gives your dish a nice kick. Just sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking the shrimp. If you like it hot, add more! Hot sauce is great, too. A few drops can change the flavor. The heat balances well with the garlic and lemon. If you love creamy pasta, try adding heavy cream or mascarpone. This makes your sauce rich and smooth. Pour in the cream after you sauté the garlic. Stir it in before adding the shrimp. This will give a whole new texture. You can also mix in some cheese for extra flavor. Adding veggies can make your dish more colorful and healthy. Asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes boost nutrition. You can toss in the asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking. For spinach, add it just before serving. It wilts down nicely. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness; toss them in with the shrimp. This adds freshness to your meal. For more details, check the Full Recipe to help guide your cooking adventure! Store shrimp scampi in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This helps to avoid moisture build-up. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it gently. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp scampi cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, but do it in short bursts. This way, it heats evenly without drying out. For the full recipe, check out the details. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, thaw the shrimp in cold water. This takes about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook better and absorb flavors. You can use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Both options are tasty. Spaghetti squash is also a fun choice. These alternatives keep the dish light and healthy. You can skip the wine and use extra lemon juice or broth. These add flavor without alcohol. The lemon gives a bright taste, while broth adds depth. Both work great in this dish. Serve shrimp scampi with a crisp salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad balances the meal. Roasted vegetables also make a good side. They add color and nutrients to your dinner. You can find the Full Recipe for complete instructions and ingredient details. This will guide you step by step to make perfect shrimp scampi pasta. In this post, we covered how to make a delicious shrimp scampi. You learned the key ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and variations. Whether you enjoy spicy or creamy, there are options for everyone. Don't forget to store leftovers properly for later use. Now, you can cook an impressive meal that will impress family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta! This easy recipe features succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests.Click to explore the full details and cooking tips!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until it's al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil. Allow the mixture to heat until the butter is fully melted and bubbling gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but has not browned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet. Season with sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you desire a touch of spice. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the underside turns pink. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until evenly cooked through and opaque.

        Add Lemon and Pasta: Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and the juice of the lemon, allowing the bright citrus flavor to meld with the garlic and shrimp. Gently fold in the drained pasta, ensuring it's well coated in the sauce. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

          Finish and Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, if desired. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate is topped with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

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

              - Presentation Tips: To elevate the dish, serve in shallow pasta bowls, arranging the shrimp on top of the pasta. Garnish with additional lemon zest and a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant touch.