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To make a great shrimp scampi, you need just a few key items. Here’s what I always use: - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti These ingredients create a fresh and zesty dish that’s hard to beat. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the garlic adds a wonderful aroma. While the essential ingredients shine, you can boost the taste with a few extras. Consider these options: - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil or thyme (for added herbal notes) - A splash of white wine (for depth) - Cherry tomatoes (for a burst of sweetness) Using these optional ingredients can take your dish to the next level. They add layers of flavor that make each bite more exciting. If you don’t have something on hand, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use shrimp stock instead of chicken broth for a seafood flavor. - Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a twist. - If you’re out of fresh parsley, try dried parsley or even cilantro. - Use any pasta you have, like fettuccine or penne, instead of linguine. These substitutions can still deliver a tasty dish. Don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have in your kitchen. For the full recipe, check the details above. To start, cook the pasta first. Boil a big pot of water and add salt. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until it's al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to save half a cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps to make the sauce creamy later. Next, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about one minute until they smell great. Now, it's time to add the shrimp. Place 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once your shrimp is ready, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to get all the good flavors. Add the zest of one lemon and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes. This step builds a rich flavor. After that, combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Toss it well to mix everything together. If it seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This makes the dish smooth and flavorful. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Now it’s time to plate your shrimp scampi. Use warm pasta bowls for a nice touch. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. For extra color, garnish with more parsley and a few lemon wedges. This adds brightness and makes the dish look even more appealing. Enjoy your easy shrimp scampi! Cooking shrimp is quick and easy. Here are my tips to get it just right: - Buy fresh shrimp: Look for shrimp that smell like the sea. - Don’t overcook: Shrimp cooks fast. It should turn pink and not be rubbery. - Use high heat: A hot pan gives you a nice sear and flavor. - Cook in batches: If you add too many shrimp, they will steam instead of sear. If you want to change the heat, follow these tips: - Start low: Use less red pepper flakes if you don’t like spice. - Add more later: You can always add more during cooking, but not take it out. - Try other spices: Consider adding paprika or black pepper for different flavors. Presentation makes a dish shine. Here are some ideas to serve shrimp scampi: - Use warm bowls: Warm dishes keep food hot and look great. - Garnish with herbs: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. - Serve with lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. - Pair with bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This recipe is not just tasty; it's also quick and rewarding. For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make shrimp scampi your own by adding unique flavors. Try using fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of parsley. You can also swap the red pepper flakes for a dash of smoked paprika. This adds a nice twist to the dish. For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of white wine for depth. Each change can bring a new life to this classic meal. Adding vegetables to shrimp scampi not only boosts nutrition but also adds color. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well. Sauté the veggies for a few minutes before adding the shrimp. This will ensure all the flavors mix nicely. You can also toss in spinach or kale at the end for a fresh touch. This makes the dish even more vibrant and satisfying. While linguine is a classic choice, you can experiment with other pasta types. Try using whole wheat spaghetti for a nuttier flavor. Or, opt for gluten-free pasta if you have dietary needs. For a fun twist, consider using spiralized zucchini or squash as a low-carb option. Each pasta type can change the dish's mouthfeel, making your meal unique every time. If you want the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To keep your shrimp scampi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Reheat your shrimp scampi gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. This method keeps the shrimp tender. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. You can freeze shrimp scampi for easy meals later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. Enjoy your tasty dish anytime! The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to use cold water. Put the shrimp in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp fresh and firm. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight. Just remember not to use hot water. Hot water can cook the shrimp and make them rubbery. Yes, you can make shrimp scampi without pasta. You can serve the shrimp over rice, quinoa, or even with crusty bread. This offers a great way to enjoy the flavorful sauce. You can also add vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, to make it a hearty meal. Simply sauté them with the shrimp for a complete dish. Shrimp scampi lasts about three days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat it, warm it on low heat. This keeps the shrimp tender and the flavors intact. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. This article covered how to make easy shrimp scampi. We discussed key ingredients, helpful cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned about ingredient swaps and creative variations to try. I shared how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Shrimp scampi is simple, tasty, and versatile. You can adapt it to fit your taste. Enjoy making this dish, and don't hesitate to explore your own ideas!

Easy Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, learn how to create perfectly sautéed shrimp tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce over al dente pasta. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a gourmet meal that impresses. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delicious dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors. Stir in the lemon zest, and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the chopped parsley for freshness.

            Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in warm pasta bowls, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and a hint of brightness.