![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 pound spaghetti or linguine - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) For this Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi, you need key ingredients. Fresh shrimp makes a big difference. You can use large shrimp, which cook quickly and taste great. Butter and olive oil create a rich sauce. Garlic adds flavor, and red pepper flakes give a nice kick. The lemon juice brightens everything up. Don't forget salt and pepper for taste. If you want alternatives, you can swap the pasta. Zoodles or gluten-free pasta work well. For garlic, use garlic powder if fresh isn't available. These swaps help make the dish fit your needs. It still tastes good and feels special. This dish serves about four people. Each serving has around 400 calories. The shrimp adds protein, and the pasta provides carbs. For dietary needs, you can make this gluten-free. You can also skip the cheese for a dairy-free option. Just adjust the ingredients to fit your diet and enjoy! You can find the full recipe in the article above for easy reference. To cook your spaghetti or linguine, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, firm but not hard. This gives the best texture. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water. This water is like gold for your sauce. It helps adjust the sauce later. For the best garlic flavor, use fresh garlic cloves. Mince them finely. In a large skillet, add butter and olive oil. Heat them on medium heat until hot. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch the garlic closely. You want it to be fragrant but not brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Add your shrimp to the skillet after cooking the garlic. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning them often. You know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking them; this makes them tough. Perfectly cooked shrimp are tender and juicy, a true delight. Once the shrimp are cooked, add your lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Toss in your drained pasta and mix well. The pasta needs to soak up that lovely garlic sauce. If it seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. This helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Stir until everything is well combined, and your dish is ready to serve. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. - Always use fresh shrimp for the best taste. - Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge. - Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat. - Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. - Don't crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. - Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. - A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. - Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste. - Experiment with spices like paprika or oregano. - Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than garlic powder. - Pair with a crisp green salad for freshness. - Garlic bread makes a great side for scooping sauce. - Serve with white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, for a nice match. - Sparkling water with lemon is a fun non-alcoholic option. - Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. For complete details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily adjust this dish to fit your diet. To make it low-carb, try using zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Simply spiralize the zucchini and sauté it briefly. It gives you a fresh taste without the carbs. For a vegan option, use plant-based shrimp and vegan butter. These swaps keep the dish tasty, while meeting your dietary needs. Want to mix things up? You can add other ingredients to boost flavor. Toss in spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes also add a nice tang. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. This way, you can make it just as spicy as you like. You can give this dish a fun twist by changing the pasta. Try different shapes like penne or farfalle for an Italian-style meal. For a Mediterranean vibe, add capers or olives. These ingredients add depth and a unique flair to your Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to create these variations. To keep your garlic shrimp scampi fresh, you need to store it properly. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you want to reheat them without overcooking the shrimp. The best way is to use a stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or butter. This helps the shrimp stay moist. Stir gently until warmed through. Microwaving can make shrimp tough. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts and check often. You can freeze garlic shrimp scampi, but it's best to do so without the pasta. Shrimp can lose texture when frozen. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop for the best results. Enjoy your Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi anytime! For the full recipe, check out the provided instructions above. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and sauce first, then store it in an airtight container. Keep your pasta separate. This helps the pasta stay firm. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the shrimp and sauce. Cook the pasta fresh for the best taste. I recommend using large shrimp for this recipe. Fresh shrimp taste better, but frozen shrimp work well too. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves you time. Their size helps them cook evenly, giving you the best bite. To thicken your sauce, add a bit of pasta water while mixing. This water has starch that helps. Another way is to let the sauce simmer longer. This reduces the liquid, making it thicker. You can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta, which is widely available. Check labels to ensure no gluten is present. Prepare the sauce as usual, and enjoy your dish without worry. Yes, you can swap white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth. This keeps the flavor rich. If you want to skip it, just add a bit more lemon juice. This keeps the dish bright and fresh. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered how to make Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We explored the key ingredients needed, including shrimp, garlic, and pasta. We discussed cooking tips to get perfect shrimp and great flavor. You learned about ingredient substitutions to fit dietary needs. Finally, we looked at storage tips and common FAQs. With these steps, you can create a delicious dish. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/60adf922-e0fa-4f84-8bee-b350c4f9a1ca-250x250.webp)
Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in this easy garlic shrimp scampi recipe that'll take your dinner to the next level! With succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused butter and olive oil sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a delightful treat. In just 20 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t wait—click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!