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To make easy shrimp scampi, gather these items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish - Lemon slices, for serving When selecting shrimp, look for these signs of freshness: - Bright, clear shells without dark spots - Firm flesh that springs back when pressed - A mild, ocean-like scent; avoid strong fishy odors - If buying frozen, check for a clean look and no ice buildup For shrimp scampi, I recommend these pasta types: - Linguine: Its flat shape holds the sauce well. - Spaghetti: A classic choice that pairs nicely with shrimp. - Fettuccine: If you prefer a wider noodle, this is a great option. Choose any of these to enhance your dish! For the full recipe, you can check out the complete cooking instructions. To make shrimp scampi, follow these simple steps. First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Wait until the mixture shimmers. This shows it's ready for the shrimp. Carefully lay the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside on a plate. Next, reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble. This step is key for flavor. Now, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Cooking pasta is easy! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente. This means it should be firm but cooked through. Once done, drain the pasta. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later. When sautéing shrimp, timing is crucial. Do not crowd the shrimp in the skillet. This allows them to cook evenly. If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches. Always check for doneness. The shrimp should be pink, firm, and opaque. Remember, they cook quickly! Once you sauté the shrimp, keep an eye on the heat. Too high will burn the garlic later. Always add shrimp back to the pan with the sauce. This way, they soak up all the great flavors. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. When making shrimp scampi, avoid a few common mistakes. First, do not overcook the shrimp. Cook them just until pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp turns tough and rubbery. Next, be careful with the garlic. Cooking it too long can make it bitter. Keep an eye on it and stir often. Lastly, remember to reserve some pasta water. It helps create a smooth sauce. If your sauce is thick, add a splash of this water for the right consistency. To boost the flavor of your shrimp scampi, try adding fresh herbs. Fresh basil or chives can add a nice touch. You can also play with spices. A dash of smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning can elevate the dish. Another great tip is to use high-quality olive oil and butter. These ingredients make a big difference in taste. Finally, squeeze some fresh lemon juice right before serving for a bright finish. When serving shrimp scampi, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad. A light Caesar or arugula salad works well. Garlic bread is another perfect side. It helps soak up the tasty sauce. For drinks, white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely. It complements the dish without overpowering it. Want a twist? Serve it over rice or zucchini noodles for a fun variation. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_4}} You can easily boost the flavor of your shrimp scampi. Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs will give your dish a lovely aroma. You might also try sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet twist. If you love cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a rich touch. Don't forget about adding a splash of white wine. This will deepen the taste and make each bite special. If you want to try something different, you can make shrimp scampi with cream. This version is rich and creamy. You just add heavy cream to the sauce after cooking the garlic. Stir it in before adding the shrimp. This creates a velvety texture that many people love. You can also swap linguine for zoodles or spaghetti squash for a fun twist. If you need gluten-free options, just use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste just as good. For those on a low-carb diet, zoodles work perfectly. They are low in carbs and full of flavor. You can even enjoy the shrimp without pasta. Serve it over a bed of fresh veggies for a light meal. Remember, shrimp scampi is flexible, so feel free to adapt it to your needs! After you enjoy your shrimp scampi, store leftovers right away. Let it cool to room temp. Then, place the dish in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until it's heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you have extra shrimp scampi, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious shrimp scampi anytime! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Shrimp scampi can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and safe to eat. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just remember to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water. Once thawed, they cook just as well as fresh shrimp. Shrimp scampi pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread: It’s perfect for soaking up the yummy sauce. - A fresh salad: A light mix of greens adds crunch and color. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus bring healthy balance to the meal. - Rice or quinoa: These grains absorb the sauce nicely. Each of these sides complements the flavors of the shrimp scampi. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite pairings! You learned how to make shrimp scampi with ease. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips. You now know how to choose quality shrimp and perfect your pasta. Remember to avoid common mistakes and try different variations for fun. Storing leftovers properly also keeps your meal fresh. Use these insights to enjoy delicious shrimp scampi anytime. Happy cooking!

Easy Shrimp Scampi

Savor the delightful flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish featuring tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this meal is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the coast to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

Zest of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Lemon slices, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce. Set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the fats to heat until shimmering. Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate; set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and starts bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Combine Ingredients: Next, stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer for a moment. Return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the fragrant sauce. If the sauce appears too thick or dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

          Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, using tongs or a spatula to carefully toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Finish off the dish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by lemon slices on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4