Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

$Here’s what you need to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These ingredients blend to create a rich, tasty dish. The shrimp provide protein and flavor, while the garlic and butter add depth. Lemon juice brightens the dish, and fresh parsley gives it a pop of color. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a great way to impress family or friends with minimal effort. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Why reserve pasta water? Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps create a smooth sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 1 lb of large shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 6 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Enhancing flavor: After the garlic is fragrant, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Let this mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the sauce. If the sauce seems To ensure your shrimp cook perfectly, use fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild scent. When cooking, watch for color change. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so stay alert. For the right sauce thickness, start with reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time. This water contains starch that helps thicken the sauce. Stir and observe the consistency. You want it creamy, not watery. If shrimp is not your thing, try scallops or chicken. Both options work well with the same sauce. For pasta, you can use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. These substitutes keep the dish light and enjoyable. For dairy-free options, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Nutritional yeast can also give a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish tasty for everyone. To add more flavor, consider herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add depth. You can also try adding lemon zest for a citrus kick. Adjust the spice levels by changing the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the amount. This makes the dish fit your own taste perfectly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp over frozen for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea scent. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly; remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture. Adjust the Spice: Customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away! Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. It can be a great addition to your sauce to help it cling to the pasta better. {{image_2}} You can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi even better by adding vegetables. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely in the garlic sauce. Cherry tomatoes also add a pop of color and sweetness. You can also try bell peppers or zucchini. Just chop them up and toss them in with the shrimp. This adds flavor and nutrition to your dish. If you want to switch things up, consider using scallops or chicken. Scallops give a nice, sweet taste that pairs well with garlic. Just cook them for a shorter time. Chicken can work too; just cut it into small pieces. You can even create a seafood medley. Mix shrimp, scallops, and fish for a more varied dish. This brings different textures and flavors to your plate. Get creative with flavors from around the world. For a Southwest twist, add spices like cumin and paprika. Toss in some corn and black beans for a hearty meal. For an Asian twist, use soy sauce and ginger. These changes can completely transform the dish while keeping it simple and tasty. Explore different ingredients to find your favorite version! To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi tasty, store leftovers in an airtight container. This method helps keep the flavors fresh. It will last for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to cool it down first before sealing. When you reheat shrimp scampi, aim for gentle heat. Use a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery and lose their flavor. Freezing shrimp scampi is a great way to save it for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can last for about three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can reheat it after thawing, using the same gentle technique mentioned above. This way, you can still enjoy that rich garlic flavor! You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. Undercooked shrimp look gray and feel soft. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. For best results, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and pasta, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and add the shrimp and pasta. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Many side dishes go well with this dish. Consider serving it with: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa These sides will enhance your meal and add color. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi can be healthy if you watch your portion sizes. Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein. The olive oil and butter add flavor but can increase fat. You can use less butter or whole grain pasta for a healthier twist. In this article, we covered how to make a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. Remember to cook shrimp until they are pink and firm. Feel free to get creative with herbs, vegetables, or different types of protein. This dish is not only easy to make but also exciting to share with friends and family. Use the storage and reheating tips to enjoy leftovers at their best. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish cooked in garlic butter and served with pasta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 whole lemon, juiced
1 whole lemon, zested
0.25 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup freshly chopped parsley
to taste salt and pepper
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Cook for an additional minute or until everything is heated through.
Plate the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spice level.

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp