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For a delicious shrimp scampi, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice) - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - Salt and black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving Quality matters in cooking. Fresh shrimp taste best. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell like the ocean. If you buy frozen shrimp, make sure they are well-packaged and free of frost. Choose fresh garlic, as it adds a strong flavor. Use good olive oil and unsalted butter for the perfect richness. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Always use fresh lemon for zest and juice. If you have allergies, there are some easy swaps. For gluten-free pasta, use rice or corn pasta. If you cannot have shrimp, try scallops or chicken. You can replace butter with a dairy-free option like margarine. If you want less spice, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also use lemon juice from a bottle if fresh lemon is not available. To cook pasta just right, start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your linguine or spaghetti. Follow the package guide for cooking time. You want it to be al dente, which means firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the pasta. Save about half a cup of that starchy water for later. This water helps the sauce stick better. Heat a large skillet on medium. Add butter and olive oil. Let them melt together. Once melted, toss in minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. After the shrimp are cooked, add lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Stir well to mix those bright flavors. Now, add the cooked pasta. If the dish looks dry, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps to create a nice sauce. Mix everything well to coat the pasta and shrimp. Finally, remove from heat and add chopped parsley. Toss it again, so every bite is full of flavor. Serve your shrimp scampi in bowls or on plates. Garnish with more parsley and lemon wedges. This dish is as beautiful as it is tasty! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp well, you want to start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell clean, not fishy. When cooking, heat your pan until it's hot. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Avoid crowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for the color change. When they turn pink and opaque, they're done. Overcooking makes them tough. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, then taste. It's easier to add than to take away spice. If the dish gets too spicy, balance it with lemon juice or a bit of sugar. This helps tone down the heat. You can also serve hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. Serve shrimp scampi with a side of crusty bread. This helps to soak up the tasty sauce. A fresh green salad pairs well, too. You can also serve it over rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. For a special touch, add lemon wedges on the side. They add brightness and flavor. You can find the Full Recipe for Garlicky Lemon Shrimp Scampi in this article. Enjoy creating a meal that looks and tastes amazing! {{image_2}} To make shrimp scampi special, consider adding unique ingredients. For a fresh taste, try sun-dried tomatoes. They add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. You can also add capers for a briny kick. If you love herbs, use fresh basil or dill instead of parsley. This gives your dish a new twist that will surprise your guests. If you need gluten-free options, don’t worry! Many types of gluten-free pasta work well. Look for pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. These options have great texture and flavor. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. They are low in carbs and add a fun crunch to your dish. Mixing seafood can enhance your shrimp scampi. Try adding scallops or mussels for extra flavor and variety. You can even mix in crab meat for a touch of luxury. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on what you add. This keeps everything perfectly cooked and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover shrimp scampi, let it cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a better option. When reheating shrimp scampi, the goal is to keep it juicy. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. To freeze shrimp scampi, portion it into smaller containers. Make sure they are airtight. Label each container with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your shrimp scampi anytime! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Shrimp scampi comes from Italy. The word "scampi" refers to small shrimp. It uses garlic, butter, and lemon. Over time, it became popular in the United States. Here, we often serve it with pasta. This dish mixes Italian flavors with local preferences. You get a taste of Italy in every bite! Yes, you can prepare shrimp scampi ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them. Keep the pasta separate to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp and sauce. Then, mix with the pasta just before serving. This way, the dish stays fresh and tasty. To make shrimp scampi healthier, try these tips: - Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber. - Cut down on butter and use olive oil. - Add more veggies like spinach or zucchini. - Limit the amount of salt and red pepper flakes. These changes keep flavor while making it lighter. Some great sides for shrimp scampi include: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for dipping in the sauce. - Steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. - Rice, which soaks up the sauce well. These sides balance the rich flavors of the main dish. To create a creamy shrimp scampi, follow these steps: - Start with the basic recipe. - Add heavy cream or mascarpone cheese to the sauce. - Stir in the cream after cooking the shrimp. - Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. This twist gives you a rich and luscious dish! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Shrimp scampi blends fresh ingredients with easy steps to create a tasty dish. Quality matters, so use the best shrimp and pasta. If you have allergies, substitutions are simple. Cooking tips help you master shrimp and adjust spice levels. Try variations for a fun twist. Store leftovers correctly for later enjoyment. In the end, shrimp scampi is versatile and satisfying. Remember, you can always make it your own!

Famous Shrimp Scampi

Savor the flavors of this Garlicky Lemon Shrimp Scampi that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for any weeknight dinner! With perfectly sautéed shrimp, zesty lemon, and a hint of spice, this dish combines simplicity and elegance in just 25 minutes. Discover how to create this mouthwatering recipe using easy-to-find ingredients. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your dinner special tonight!

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

      Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine.

          Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and add the chopped parsley. Give the dish a final toss to ensure everything is coated in the garlicky sauce.

            Plating: Serve the shrimp scampi in nice bowls or on plates, garnishing with additional parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

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