Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) For this dish, I always start with fresh, large shrimp. They not only taste better, but they also look great on the plate. Next, I choose linguine or spaghetti. Both work well, but I often lean toward linguine for its perfect shape to hold the sauce. Butter and olive oil are my go-to fats for this recipe. The butter gives richness, and the olive oil adds a lovely flavor. I never skip the garlic; it’s the star of the show. Use fresh garlic and mince it finely for the best taste. For seasonings, I like a touch of red pepper flakes. It adds a nice kick, but you can adjust it to your taste. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Parsley adds color and freshness. I always keep some grated Parmesan cheese on hand for serving. It is optional, but it adds a nice touch. With these ingredients, you can create a savory garlic butter shrimp scampi that shines at any table. - Bring salted water to a rolling boil. - Cook linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. - Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. - Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. - Season shrimp with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. - Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. - Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. - Toss in the drained pasta, mixing well. - Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce thickness. - Stir in chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. - Do not overcook shrimp for the best texture. Shrimp cook fast. You want them pink and firm. - Reserve pasta water for sauce adjustments. It helps bind the sauce to the pasta. - Serve in wide, shallow bowls. This makes the dish look fancy and inviting. - Garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. A slice of grilled lemon adds flavor and flair. - Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines match the shrimp's lightness. - A dry rosé also works well. Its fruity notes balance the garlic and butter flavors. {{image_4}} To make your garlic butter shrimp scampi shine, add some veggies. Spinach works great. It wilts nicely and adds color. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy kick. They pair well with the rich garlic butter. You can also switch up the pasta. Try fettuccine or even whole grain pasta for a new twist. Each option changes the dish's vibe, keeping it fresh and exciting. If you want to switch proteins, consider chicken or scallops. Chicken gives a hearty feel. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it in the garlic butter mix. Scallops are sweet and tender, cooking quickly like shrimp. For a meatless dish, use mushrooms or tofu. They soak up the flavors and create a satisfying meal without meat. Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more. Prefer it mild? Just use less or skip it altogether. For a different kick, try paprika or cayenne pepper. Each spice gives a unique flavor, so have fun experimenting! To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This step helps preserve flavor and texture. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want the best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. If you need to freeze your shrimp scampi, place it in a freezer-safe container. Try to remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, move it to the fridge for 24 hours to thaw. This slow thawing keeps the shrimp tender. To reheat without overcooking the shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to warm it through. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This way, your shrimp stays juicy and delicious. Shrimp scampi pairs well with many sides. Common choices include: - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables - A fresh green salad - Rice or risotto - White wine These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. They also add texture and freshness. Yes, you can prepare shrimp scampi ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. - Store them in airtight containers. - Keep the sauce in a different container. - Reheat before serving, adding a splash of pasta water. This way, you can enjoy fresh flavors without stress. Shrimp scampi and shrimp fra diavolo differ in flavor and heat. - Shrimp scampi has a rich, buttery sauce with garlic and lemon. - Shrimp fra diavolo features a spicy tomato sauce with more heat. Both dishes highlight shrimp but offer unique experiences. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. Here are some tips: - Look for a C-shape; it means they are done. - Avoid gray or translucent shrimp. - Cook them for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. This ensures a tender and juicy bite every time. Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a tasty dish you can create easily. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and even tips for perfect results. You learned how to adjust flavors and make it your own with variations. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and savor every bite of this delightful meal. Trust me; it’s worth it!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that's easy to make in just 25 minutes! This dish combines succulent shrimp with linguine cooked to perfection in a garlicky butter sauce, finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe guarantees a flavorful experience. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family today!

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

- Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

- Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later use, and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside in a large bowl.

Prepare the Sauce:

- In a spacious skillet, heat the butter and olive oil together over medium heat.

- Once the butter has fully melted and the ingredients are combined, add the minced garlic.

- Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic emits a fragrant aroma, making sure to avoid any burning.

Add Shrimp:

- Carefully place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet.

- Season them generously with red pepper flakes, salt, and cracked pepper.

- Cook the shrimp for approximately 3-4 minutes, gently flipping them halfway through, until they turn a lovely pink hue and become opaque.

Combine Everything:

- Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet.

- Toss in the drained pasta and mix everything together until well combined.

- Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring until you achieve your desired sauce consistency, creating a luscious coating for the pasta.

Finish and Serve:

- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.

- Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with additional parsley and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls and top with extra parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil. Pairing with a slice of grilled lemon can also enhance both presentation and flavor.