Classic Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Classic shrimp scampi relies on fresh and simple ingredients. The star here is the shrimp. Using large shrimp makes a big difference in flavor and texture. I always peel and devein them for ease. Pairing the shrimp with linguine or spaghetti gives a nice balance. Butter and olive oil create a rich base for the dish. I love using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste. Red pepper flakes bring in a gentle heat. You can adjust this based on your taste. Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. It helps to build layers of flavor. Don’t forget the lemon juice and zest. They brighten the dish and enhance the seafood. Fresh parsley adds a lovely color and taste. It’s a great way to finish your plate. Salt and pepper are key for seasoning. They help to bring all the flavors together. For the full recipe, you can check the details above. Enjoy your cooking! - Cook the pasta until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. - Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later. This helps adjust the sauce's thickness. - In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. - Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 1-2 minutes. This brings out great flavors. - Next, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. - Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer. - Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. This lets the broth reduce a bit. - Stir in the remaining butter and lemon zest. Mix well until the butter melts. - Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce in the skillet. - Add reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps you get the right sauce consistency. Adjust seasoning as you go. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To make shrimp scampi shine, you need to balance the garlic and red pepper. Use five cloves of garlic for a strong flavor. Adjust the red pepper to fit your taste. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. Squeeze it right before serving to keep the flavor fresh. Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes. You want them pink and tender, not tough. For the pasta, cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can ruin the meal. Remember to save some pasta water for the sauce. Serve shrimp scampi in shallow bowls for a nice look. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. These details make your dish feel special. {{image_2}} If you want to make shrimp scampi but need to switch some ingredients, you can. Here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-free pasta options: Use gluten-free linguine or spaghetti instead of regular pasta. It tastes great and fits your diet. - Alternatives for shrimp: You can use scallops or chicken in place of shrimp. Both options will still give you a yummy dish. Add a twist to your shrimp scampi with these simple ideas: - Adding vegetables like spinach or tomatoes: Toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. They cook quickly and add a nice touch. - Incorporating white wine for depth: A splash of white wine in your sauce makes it rich. It brings out the flavors and adds a lovely aroma. You can cook shrimp scampi in various ways to change it up: - Oven-baked shrimp scampi: Place shrimp and sauce in a baking dish. Bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. This method gives you a nice, roasted flavor. - One-pan shrimp scampi variations: Cook everything in one pan for an easy clean-up. Just sauté the shrimp, add the pasta and sauce, and you are done. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! After enjoying your shrimp scampi, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Use the leftovers within two days for the best taste. When reheating, you have two options: microwave or stovetop. The stovetop is best for even heating. Heat it gently over low heat. Stir often to prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check frequently to avoid overcooking. You can freeze shrimp scampi for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost. Enjoy your shrimp scampi with the same great taste! For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Classic shrimp scampi stands out due to its simple and fresh ingredients. You typically use large shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon juice. This dish often uses a light sauce that allows the shrimp's flavor to shine through. The cooking method involves sautéing, which gives the shrimp a nice sear. Most shrimp dishes do not highlight garlic and lemon as much as scampi does. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the shrimp sear better and prevents excess water in your dish. Shrimp scampi pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for soaking up the sauce - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans - Rice or couscous to complement the dish To adjust the spiciness, simply change the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, use less than one teaspoon. If you prefer it spicy, add more flakes to taste. You can also include fresh chili or hot sauce for a different kick. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Shrimp scampi can be a healthy choice. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids. However, keep an eye on the butter and oil you use. You can reduce the amount or use a healthier oil, like avocado oil. Pairing it with veggies also boosts the nutritional value. For more details, see the Full Recipe. Shrimp scampi is a classic dish with rich flavors. It combines shrimp, pasta, garlic, and lemon for a delightful meal. Remember, balance is key. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try variations, this dish is versatile and simple. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With the right tips, you can make shrimp scampi that impresses everyone. Enjoy cooking this dish confidently, and happy dining!$

Indulge in the buttery goodness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this easy, flavorful recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with linguine, garlic, and fresh lemon zest create a dish that is as impressive as it is delicious. In just 25 minutes, you can serve up this crowd-pleaser and make dinner special. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this delightful seafood dish!

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Zest of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter melts and begins to foam.

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Stir in the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon zest, stirring to combine and melt the butter completely.

Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp scampi in shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of additional parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an extra touch of freshness. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!