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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference) - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) For this dish, I always choose large shrimp. They have a nice bite and cook quickly. Unsalted butter gives us the rich flavor we want. Garlic is key as it adds a wonderful aroma and taste. I like to add red pepper flakes for a little kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste. The lemon zest and juice brighten up the dish. They balance the richness of the butter. For pasta, I prefer linguine or spaghetti. Both work well and catch the sauce nicely. If you want to make it look pretty, consider garnishing with fresh parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch, too. For the full recipe, check out the details above! First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great but not turn brown. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. Flip them halfway through this time. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp are cooked, add the reserved pasta and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together well. If the dish seems dry, slowly add the reserved pasta water. This will help you reach the right consistency. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is now ready to serve! For the full recipe, check the instructions again to make sure you followed each step. To make the best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. Next, ensure your shrimp don’t overcook. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. When they curl into a "C" shape, they’re done! You can adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This lets you control the spice level to your liking. Infuse extra flavors by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish too. Use lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor. Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi on a warm plate. This keeps the dish hot longer. For a lovely touch, add a slice of lemon on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated cheese for a pop of color. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins in this dish. Scallops work well and cook fast. They bring a sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic. Chicken is another option. Just cut it into small pieces and cook until it’s no longer pink. For a vegetarian twist, use mushrooms or mixed vegetables. They add texture and taste, making the dish satisfying. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great brands that taste just as good. You can also serve the scampi over rice. It soaks up the sauce nicely. Zucchini noodles are fun, too. They add a fresh crunch and are light. To make a creamy garlic scampi, add heavy cream. It gives the sauce a rich feel. You can also add a splash of white wine. This adds depth and a hint of acidity. For a twist, try adding diced tomatoes. They brighten the dish with a pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftovers, cool your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. You can also use a microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! To do this, let it cool completely. Use airtight freezer bags or containers for best results. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep for about two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This method ensures the shrimp remain tender. For the full recipe, check out the steps above. To keep shrimp tender, cook them for just 2-3 minutes. Make sure the heat is medium-high. You want them pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they get tough. Use a timer to help you. This way, you can focus on all the flavors in the dish. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 20-30 minutes. This helps them thaw quickly and stay firm. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in your dish. Great sides for shrimp scampi include fresh salads and crusty bread. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works well. Garlic bread is a classic choice too. For a veggie side, try sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus. These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Garlic butter shrimp scampi has about 400-500 calories per serving. It contains healthy fats from the butter. Each serving offers around 25 grams of protein. This dish is filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for dinner. For exact values, check the Full Recipe for more details. This dish combines fresh shrimp, buttery garlic, and pasta for a tasty meal. You learned key steps, from cooking the pasta to perfecting the shrimp texture. Remember to adjust flavors with lemon and red pepper flakes. Feel free to explore variations like using chicken or making it vegetarian. Store any leftovers correctly for the best taste. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Dive in and enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! Discover how to create a delicious meal in just 20 minutes using fresh shrimp, garlic, and lemon. With simple steps, you'll have a delightful dish that’s sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

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

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and lemon juice to the skillet, tossing well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

          Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

            Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley for a fresh touch.

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