Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Fresh and Flavorful Recipe

ByZara
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth - 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) This dish sings with fresh flavors. The large shrimp are the stars, providing a juicy bite. The unsalted butter and olive oil create a smooth base. Garlic adds depth, while red pepper flakes give a gentle kick. The lemon zest and juice bring brightness and balance to every bite. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. The chicken or vegetable broth enhances the sauce, making it rich and savory. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for extra flavor. Gather all these ingredients before you start. This way, you’ll have everything ready for a quick and easy cooking experience. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook linguine or spaghetti until al dente. - Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of starchy water. To start, I fill a large pot with water and add salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once the water boils, I add the linguine or spaghetti. I cook it according to the package instructions. Al dente means the pasta should be firm but not hard. After cooking, I drain the pasta and save some starchy water. This water will help make the sauce creamy. - Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. - Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. - Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Next, I grab a large skillet and heat olive oil with butter over medium heat. The oil and butter add richness to the dish. Once melted, I toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. I sauté them for about a minute. I want the garlic to smell good without browning. Then, I add the shrimp to the skillet. I spread them out evenly and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. I cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. - Add broth and lemon juice to the skillet. - Toss in cooked pasta and remaining butter. - Adjust seasoning and incorporate parsley. In this step, I pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. I stir gently to mix everything. I let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors come together nicely. After that, I add the cooked pasta and the rest of the butter. I toss everything well. If the dish looks dry, I add some of the starchy water until it’s creamy. Finally, I remove the skillet from heat and fold in chopped parsley. I taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Make sure the shrimp are evenly spread in the skillet. This helps them cook well. If you pile them up, they may steam instead of sear. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, which is not what we want. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's creaminess. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Keep tasting as you mix in the pasta. This way, you can balance the flavors just right. If it tastes flat, add a bit more lemon juice or salt. To boost brightness, add more lemon juice or zest. The lemon gives a fresh kick that brightens the dish. You can also incorporate fresh herbs, like parsley or basil. They add a burst of freshness and color to your meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Always try to use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Control the Heat: When cooking the garlic, be careful not to let it brown as it can become bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente, so it retains a slight firmness. This helps it hold up when tossed with the sauce. Enhance the Sauce: For extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce after cooking the shrimp, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the broth. {{image_4}} You can switch out shrimp for other seafood. Scallops work well and have a sweet taste. Lobster gives a rich flavor and makes the dish fancy. If you want more variety, add mussels. They bring a nice briny taste to the dish. Mixing different seafood gives a lovely medley. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free pasta. It tastes just as good in this recipe. You can also change your pasta type. Fettuccine or penne makes a nice swap for linguine. Each pasta shape holds the sauce differently, so try what you like best. Adding extra ingredients can make your dish more colorful and tasty. Spinach is a great option because it wilts down nicely. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. If you want to deepen the flavor, try adding white wine. Just pour it into the skillet with the broth and lemon juice. This gives the dish a nice complexity. After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let the dish cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet and add a splash of broth. This keeps the dish moist and tasty. If you prefer the microwave, cover your dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture in while it heats. Freezing this dish is not the best choice. Pasta can become mushy when thawed. If you really want to freeze it, store the shrimp separately. This way, you can keep the shrimp fresh when you are ready to cook them again. Yes, but make sure to thaw before cooking. Frozen shrimp work well in many dishes. Just place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. This helps keep the shrimp plump and tasty. To add spice, increase red pepper flakes or add diced fresh chili. You can start with a pinch and taste as you go. This allows you to find the right heat level for your taste. Pair with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad brightens the meal. Crusty bread soaks up the sauce perfectly. Steamed veggies add color and nutrition. Enjoy mixing and matching! Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet delicious dish. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. Remember to cook shrimp just right for tenderness and adjust sauce consistency with pasta water. Feel free to mix and match seafood or pasta types to suit your taste. With careful storage and reheating, leftovers can stay tasty for days. Enjoy making this flavorful meal that can impress anyone at your table!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to impress your taste buds with a dish that combines fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, and rich garlic? My Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe offers a burst of vibrant tastes in every bite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking! You’ll love how simple and satisfying this dish can be.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh and Zesty Flavor: This dish perfectly balances the bright acidity of lemon with the savory goodness of garlic and shrimp, creating a refreshing taste that is sure to please.
  2. Quick and Easy to Make: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  3. Customizable Heat: The addition of red pepper flakes allows you to adjust the spice level according to your preference, making it adaptable for everyone at the table.
  4. Perfectly Coated Pasta: The luscious sauce clings beautifully to the linguine or spaghetti, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 tablespoons olive oil

Flavor Enhancers

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– Zest of 1 lemon

– Juice of 2 lemons

Additional Ingredients

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

– 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

– 8 oz linguine or spaghetti

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

This dish sings with fresh flavors. The large shrimp are the stars, providing a juicy bite. The unsalted butter and olive oil create a smooth base. Garlic adds depth, while red pepper flakes give a gentle kick. The lemon zest and juice bring brightness and balance to every bite.

You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. The chicken or vegetable broth enhances the sauce, making it rich and savory. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for extra flavor.

Gather all these ingredients before you start. This way, you’ll have everything ready for a quick and easy cooking experience. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

– Bring salted water to a boil.

– Cook linguine or spaghetti until al dente.

– Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of starchy water.

To start, I fill a large pot with water and add salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once the water boils, I add the linguine or spaghetti. I cook it according to the package instructions. Al dente means the pasta should be firm but not hard. After cooking, I drain the pasta and save some starchy water. This water will help make the sauce creamy.

Sautéing the Aromatics and Shrimp

– Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet.

– Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes.

– Cook shrimp until pink and opaque.

Next, I grab a large skillet and heat olive oil with butter over medium heat. The oil and butter add richness to the dish. Once melted, I toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. I sauté them for about a minute. I want the garlic to smell good without browning. Then, I add the shrimp to the skillet. I spread them out evenly and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. I cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Creating the Sauce and Combining Ingredients

– Add broth and lemon juice to the skillet.

– Toss in cooked pasta and remaining butter.

– Adjust seasoning and incorporate parsley.

In this step, I pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. I stir gently to mix everything. I let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors come together nicely. After that, I add the cooked pasta and the rest of the butter. I toss everything well. If the dish looks dry, I add some of the starchy water until it’s creamy. Finally, I remove the skillet from heat and fold in chopped parsley. I taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Shrimp Cooking

Make sure the shrimp are evenly spread in the skillet. This helps them cook well. If you pile them up, they may steam instead of sear. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, which is not what we want.

Sauce Consistency

Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s creaminess. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Keep tasting as you mix in the pasta. This way, you can balance the flavors just right. If it tastes flat, add a bit more lemon juice or salt.

Enhancing Flavor

To boost brightness, add more lemon juice or zest. The lemon gives a fresh kick that brightens the dish. You can also incorporate fresh herbs, like parsley or basil. They add a burst of freshness and color to your meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Shrimp: Always try to use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
  2. Control the Heat: When cooking the garlic, be careful not to let it brown as it can become bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently.
  3. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente, so it retains a slight firmness. This helps it hold up when tossed with the sauce.
  4. Enhance the Sauce: For extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce after cooking the shrimp, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the broth.

Variations

Seafood Alternatives

You can switch out shrimp for other seafood. Scallops work well and have a sweet taste. Lobster gives a rich flavor and makes the dish fancy. If you want more variety, add mussels. They bring a nice briny taste to the dish. Mixing different seafood gives a lovely medley.

Pasta Substitutions

If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free pasta. It tastes just as good in this recipe. You can also change your pasta type. Fettuccine or penne makes a nice swap for linguine. Each pasta shape holds the sauce differently, so try what you like best.

Extra Ingredients

Adding extra ingredients can make your dish more colorful and tasty. Spinach is a great option because it wilts down nicely. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. If you want to deepen the flavor, try adding white wine. Just pour it into the skillet with the broth and lemon juice. This gives the dish a nice complexity.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let the dish cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions

When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet and add a splash of broth. This keeps the dish moist and tasty. If you prefer the microwave, cover your dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture in while it heats.

Freezing Considerations

Freezing this dish is not the best choice. Pasta can become mushy when thawed. If you really want to freeze it, store the shrimp separately. This way, you can keep the shrimp fresh when you are ready to cook them again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw before cooking. Frozen shrimp work well in many dishes. Just place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. This helps keep the shrimp plump and tasty.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add spice, increase red pepper flakes or add diced fresh chili. You can start with a pinch and taste as you go. This allows you to find the right heat level for your taste.

What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi?

Pair with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad brightens the meal. Crusty bread soaks up the sauce perfectly. Steamed veggies add color and nutrition. Enjoy mixing and matching!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet delicious dish. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. Remember to cook shrimp just right for tenderness and adjust sauce consistency with pasta water. Feel free to mix and match seafood or pasta types to suit your taste. With careful storage and reheating, leftovers can stay tasty for days. Enjoy making this flavorful meal that can impress anyone at your tabl

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth - 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) This dish sings with fresh flavors. The large shrimp are the stars, providing a juicy bite. The unsalted butter and olive oil create a smooth base. Garlic adds depth, while red pepper flakes give a gentle kick. The lemon zest and juice bring brightness and balance to every bite. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. The chicken or vegetable broth enhances the sauce, making it rich and savory. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for extra flavor. Gather all these ingredients before you start. This way, you’ll have everything ready for a quick and easy cooking experience. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook linguine or spaghetti until al dente. - Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of starchy water. To start, I fill a large pot with water and add salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once the water boils, I add the linguine or spaghetti. I cook it according to the package instructions. Al dente means the pasta should be firm but not hard. After cooking, I drain the pasta and save some starchy water. This water will help make the sauce creamy. - Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. - Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. - Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Next, I grab a large skillet and heat olive oil with butter over medium heat. The oil and butter add richness to the dish. Once melted, I toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. I sauté them for about a minute. I want the garlic to smell good without browning. Then, I add the shrimp to the skillet. I spread them out evenly and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. I cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. - Add broth and lemon juice to the skillet. - Toss in cooked pasta and remaining butter. - Adjust seasoning and incorporate parsley. In this step, I pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. I stir gently to mix everything. I let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors come together nicely. After that, I add the cooked pasta and the rest of the butter. I toss everything well. If the dish looks dry, I add some of the starchy water until it’s creamy. Finally, I remove the skillet from heat and fold in chopped parsley. I taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Make sure the shrimp are evenly spread in the skillet. This helps them cook well. If you pile them up, they may steam instead of sear. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, which is not what we want. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's creaminess. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Keep tasting as you mix in the pasta. This way, you can balance the flavors just right. If it tastes flat, add a bit more lemon juice or salt. To boost brightness, add more lemon juice or zest. The lemon gives a fresh kick that brightens the dish. You can also incorporate fresh herbs, like parsley or basil. They add a burst of freshness and color to your meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Always try to use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Control the Heat: When cooking the garlic, be careful not to let it brown as it can become bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente, so it retains a slight firmness. This helps it hold up when tossed with the sauce. Enhance the Sauce: For extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce after cooking the shrimp, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the broth. {{image_4}} You can switch out shrimp for other seafood. Scallops work well and have a sweet taste. Lobster gives a rich flavor and makes the dish fancy. If you want more variety, add mussels. They bring a nice briny taste to the dish. Mixing different seafood gives a lovely medley. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free pasta. It tastes just as good in this recipe. You can also change your pasta type. Fettuccine or penne makes a nice swap for linguine. Each pasta shape holds the sauce differently, so try what you like best. Adding extra ingredients can make your dish more colorful and tasty. Spinach is a great option because it wilts down nicely. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. If you want to deepen the flavor, try adding white wine. Just pour it into the skillet with the broth and lemon juice. This gives the dish a nice complexity. After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let the dish cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet and add a splash of broth. This keeps the dish moist and tasty. If you prefer the microwave, cover your dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture in while it heats. Freezing this dish is not the best choice. Pasta can become mushy when thawed. If you really want to freeze it, store the shrimp separately. This way, you can keep the shrimp fresh when you are ready to cook them again. Yes, but make sure to thaw before cooking. Frozen shrimp work well in many dishes. Just place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. This helps keep the shrimp plump and tasty. To add spice, increase red pepper flakes or add diced fresh chili. You can start with a pinch and taste as you go. This allows you to find the right heat level for your taste. Pair with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad brightens the meal. Crusty bread soaks up the sauce perfectly. Steamed veggies add color and nutrition. Enjoy mixing and matching! Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet delicious dish. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. Remember to cook shrimp just right for tenderness and adjust sauce consistency with pasta water. Feel free to mix and match seafood or pasta types to suit your taste. With careful storage and reheating, leftovers can stay tasty for days. Enjoy making this flavorful meal that can impress anyone at your table!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

A bright and zesty shrimp dish cooked in a garlic butter sauce with lemon and red pepper flakes, served over pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • 2 lemons juice of
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • to taste Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy water, and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the mixture to melt and heat up, then proceed.
  • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from browning, until fragrant.
  • Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly spread out. Season them with salt, pepper, and the lemon zest. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and have curled slightly.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, allowing the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Next, add the cooked linguine or spaghetti, tossing everything together until the noodles are well-coated in the sauce. If the mixture appears dry, incrementally add the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
  • Plate the dish immediately while hot, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, scampi, shrimp

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