![To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, gather these main items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti These ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. The shrimp gives protein, while the pasta adds heartiness. You need a few key seasonings to add flavor: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference) - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These seasonings brighten the dish. Lemon juice adds tang, while red pepper flakes give a kick. For those who want to mix things up, consider these add-ins: - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Cherry tomatoes for freshness - Spinach for added greens These add-ins can elevate your dish even more. They make it colorful and exciting, so feel free to get creative! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To start, boil a large pot of water. Make sure to add salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce later if needed. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic; it should smell nice but not burn. Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully done. Lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir well to melt the butter and blend the flavors. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it looks just right. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it with the shrimp and sauce until everything is well mixed. If it needs more flavor, adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi right away and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this tasty dish! For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp just right, watch the time. Shrimp cook fast. They usually need 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the pink color and a firm texture. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Always cook shrimp in a single layer for even heat. If they stick together, they won’t cook well. Use fresh herbs to brighten your dish. I love adding parsley and basil. They bring a fresh taste. Try adding a pinch of thyme or oregano for more depth. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but adjust to your heat preference. Lemon juice and zest also boost flavor. They make the dish bright and zesty. Avoid cooking shrimp straight from the freezer. Thaw them first for even cooking. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp, so keep an eye on them. Don’t skip the lemon juice; it adds balance. When cooking the garlic, don’t let it burn. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins your dish. Finally, remember to reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce's thickness and keeps everything creamy. For the full recipe and all the details, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for scallops or chicken. Scallops bring a sweet taste. They cook fast and add a nice touch. Just sear them in the same garlic butter. Chicken provides a heartier meal. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. Cook it until golden brown. Both options give you a new way to enjoy this dish. If you want a veggie twist, use vegetables instead of shrimp. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work well. Sauté them just like you would the shrimp. They soak up the garlic butter flavor. This makes a light yet tasty meal. For added protein, toss in chickpeas or lentils. You can still enjoy that creamy garlic sauce! While linguine is classic, you can try other pasta types. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles are great options. Each pasta has a unique texture. They all mix well with the garlic butter sauce. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed. Experiment and find what suits your taste best! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, let it cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This step helps maintain its flavor and texture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you use the Full Recipe, make sure to keep the shrimp and pasta separate for best results. Reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat it in short bursts. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. On the stove, gently warm it over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This method helps prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Freezing garlic butter shrimp scampi is not ideal but possible. If you need to freeze it, do so without the pasta. Place the shrimp in an airtight freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. You can serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with various sides. Some great options include: - Garlic bread: This adds a nice crunch. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus work well. - Salad: A fresh, green salad balances the meal. - Rice or quinoa: These grains soak up the sauce nicely. Each option complements the shrimp's rich flavors perfectly. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty as fresh. Make sure to check the label for quality. Making garlic butter sauce is simple and quick. Here’s how: 1. Melt butter: Start with unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. 2. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. 3. Flavor it: Add lemon juice, zest, and seasonings like salt and pepper. This sauce is perfect for many dishes, not just shrimp scampi. It adds a burst of flavor! For the full recipe, check the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi section. Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a simple, tasty dish. We covered key ingredients, essential seasonings, and fun add-ins. I shared easy steps for cooking pasta, sautéing shrimp, and serving your dish. You also learned tips for perfect shrimp and common mistakes to avoid. We explored variations like scallops or veggie options, plus how to store leftovers. Now, you have the knowledge to create this meal with confidence and creativity. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/26cd8969-8978-4077-9e6e-5c63e4600544-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp are sautéed with fragrant garlic and finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce that coats linguine to perfection. This dish is quick to make and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious meal to your table tonight!