Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes In this dish, shrimp is the star. I love using large, fresh shrimp. The butter and olive oil create a rich flavor. Garlic gives it that wonderful aroma. Red pepper flakes add a kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness to the dish. Broth adds depth to the flavor. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Lemon juice brightens the whole dish, while lemon zest enhances the flavor. These ingredients make the meal more vibrant. - Suggestions for Linguine or Spaghetti - Gluten-Free Alternatives I recommend using linguine or spaghetti. Both types hold sauce well. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. It cooks similarly and works great in this recipe. The pasta soaks up all the tasty sauce, making each bite special. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preparing the Shrimp Start with 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. - Cooking the Pasta Boil 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti in a large pot. Cook it until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce. - Melting Butter and Olive Oil In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely. The mix creates a rich base for the sauce. - Sautéing Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt. Watch it closely! - Adding Shrimp and Cooking Until Pink Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. This is when they are perfectly cooked. - Incorporating Broth and Tomatoes Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp. Add the lemon zest and 1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Stir gently to mix all the flavors. Then toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and let them soften for about 2 minutes. - Tossing in Cooked Pasta and Parsley Lower the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Avoiding Overcooking Shrimp Shrimp cook quickly. They turn pink in just 2-3 minutes. Watch them closely. If they feel firm, they are done. Overcooked shrimp get tough and rubbery. If you see them curling tightly, remove them from heat. - Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Pasta Cook your pasta al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions for timing. Drain it well, but don’t rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling. - Adding More Citrus Lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also add lime juice for a twist. Try orange zest for a unique flavor. Adding more citrus gives your scampi a fresh taste. - Alternative Seasonings If you want a kick, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the taste too. - Garnishing Techniques Use fresh parsley for color. Sprinkle it on right before serving. Lemon wedges add a nice touch and a hint of freshness. You can also sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for visual appeal. - Serving Suggestions Serve the scampi in a large pasta bowl. This allows for easy sharing. Pair it with garlic bread for a complete meal. A light salad on the side can balance the richness. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor. If possible, buy wild-caught shrimp instead of farmed for superior taste. Perfect Pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce, absorbing its flavors. Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Start with a small pinch and add more if you like it spicy! Garnishing: For a beautiful presentation, garnish the dish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the main protein in this dish. Scallops or lobster make great substitutes. Both add a sweet and rich flavor. Just cook them the same way as the shrimp. For a vegetarian option, use hearty mushrooms or firm tofu. They soak up the garlic butter well. To change the flavor a bit, add fresh herbs. Basil and oregano work wonders in this dish. You can also try different broths. A seafood broth adds depth. Chicken broth makes it lighter. Each choice gives a new twist to the classic recipe. This dish pairs nicely with many side dishes. Garlic bread is a classic choice. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. You can also mix the scampi into a pasta bake. Just layer it with cheese and bake until bubbly. It’s a fun way to enjoy this dish! To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi fresh, store it right. First, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. You can refrigerate the dish for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to eat, set the frozen scampi in the fridge overnight to thaw. When reheating shrimp scampi, I recommend using the stovetop. This method keeps the shrimp moist. Heat a pan on low and add a splash of broth or water. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Reheat in short bursts to keep the dish moist. Cover the bowl to trap steam and heat evenly. In the fridge, your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lasts about three days. After that, it may spoil. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or a change in color. If you see any signs, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses; if it smells off, don’t eat it. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This will help save time. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. Check the label to be sure. What can I substitute for butter? You can use olive oil instead of butter. Also, try vegan butter if you want a plant-based option. Is it necessary to devein shrimp? Yes, deveining shrimp is best. The vein can taste gritty and affect the dish. It’s easy to do, just make a shallow cut along the back. Can I make this dish without oil? You can skip the oil, but it adds flavor. If you want a lighter dish, just use butter. How to adjust spice levels? You can add more or less red pepper flakes to taste. Start with a small amount, and taste as you cook. What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi? Garlic bread is a great side. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette also works well. You can serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy touch. Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently on the stove. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is simple yet full of flavor. We covered fresh ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and creative variations. Tips for perfect shrimp and pasta will make your dish shine. Consider using different proteins or sides to mix things up. This dish stores well for later, ensuring you enjoy it again. Try this recipe to impress family and friends. Cooking can be fun and rewarding with the right guidance. So gather your ingredients and start making delicious scampi tonight!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish with garlic butter sauce, perfect for pasta lovers.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 unit juice of 1 lemon
1 unit zest of 1 lemon
0.5 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 unit salt to taste
1 unit pepper to taste
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and add the lemon zest, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and allow them to soften slightly, about 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, and add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Stir in the chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Serve the dish in a large pasta bowl, topped with extra parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color. A side of garlic bread would complement this dish beautifully.

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, quick meal, shrimp