Easy Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil The shrimp serves as the star of this dish. I like to use large shrimp for a better bite. Pasta brings the dish together and gives a hearty feel. I prefer spaghetti or linguine for their ability to hold sauce well. Butter and olive oil add rich flavor and help cook the shrimp perfectly. - 4 garlic cloves, minced - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Garlic adds a strong and tasty punch. It fills the kitchen with a warm aroma. Lemon brightens the dish, adding a fresh zing. The zest brings extra flavor, so don’t skip it. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick, but you can adjust the amount to fit your taste. - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Parmesan cheese, for serving - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. I use it as a garnish to brighten up the dish. Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty touch. Cherry tomatoes burst with juice, bringing added sweetness and a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. You can find the full recipe to guide you through this delicious meal. Cooking the Pasta First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook according to the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Sautéing Garlic and Red Pepper In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not brown. Adding Shrimp to the Skillet Next, toss in 1 lb of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. Seasoning and Checking Doneness Make sure to check that the shrimp is cooked through. It should be firm to the touch. If it still looks a bit translucent, give it another minute in the skillet. Incorporating Tomatoes and Lemon Now, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Then, stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. If the mix looks dry, splash in some reserved pasta water. Adjust until you reach your desired consistency. Tossing with Cooked Pasta Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Don’t forget to stir in ½ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now you have a colorful, flavorful shrimp scampi ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To cook shrimp perfectly, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a light smell of the sea. When cooking, heat your skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil until they shimmer. Then, add garlic and red pepper flakes first. This brings out their flavors. When the garlic smells great, add the shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. If you want to adjust seasoning, always taste as you go. Add salt and pepper little by little. This helps you find the right balance. You can also add more lemon juice for a zesty kick. For a flavor boost, consider add-ins like spinach or mushrooms. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These will add depth and freshness to the dish. When using lemon zest, choose a bright lemon. Use a microplane to zest the lemon peel. This gives you fine zest without the bitter pith. Mix the zest into the sauce for a fresh burst of flavor. To plate the dish beautifully, start with a twirl of pasta in the center. Use a fork or tongs for a neat look. Then, gently spoon the shrimp and sauce over the pasta. Garnishing ideas include fresh parsley, which adds color and freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is a great finishing touch. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side to enhance the look and taste. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. {{image_2}} If you need to change the recipe, there are easy swaps. - Gluten-free pasta options: Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles. They cook well and blend nicely with the dish. - Low-carb alternatives: Try spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Both options keep the meal light and fresh. Changing up flavors can make shrimp scampi even more fun. - Adding different herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance the dish. Each herb adds a unique twist. - Substitute ingredients: Swap out shrimp for scallops or chicken. You can also use a mix of seafood for a tasty twist. Pairing shrimp scampi with the right sides makes for a great meal. - Pairing with side dishes: Serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the flavors well. - Wine recommendations: A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works best. It balances the dish and adds a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the Quick & Zesty Shrimp Scampi section above. To store leftovers, let the shrimp scampi cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. In the fridge, shrimp scampi lasts about 2 to 3 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze shrimp scampi, use a freezer-safe container. Let it cool completely first. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. The best way to reheat shrimp scampi is in a skillet. This method helps keep the shrimp tender. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. To keep the dish flavorful, add a bit of olive oil or butter when reheating. This will help restore some of the original taste. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water from the original recipe. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps the dish tasty. What can I substitute for white wine? If you don’t have white wine, use chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for acidity. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh in your shrimp scampi. How long should shrimp be cooked? Shrimp cook quickly. Typically, about 2-3 minutes is enough. Look for shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on them. Can I prepare this dish in advance? You can prep some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge. Keep them in airtight containers for up to 24 hours. Combine them just before serving for the best taste. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe yields about 4 servings. It works well for a family dinner or a small gathering. You can easily adjust the portions based on your needs. Can the recipe be scaled up or down? Yes, you can scale this recipe easily. If you want more servings, double the ingredients. For fewer servings, cut them in half. Just keep the cooking times the same, and you’ll have a great meal every time. This blog post covered key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and helpful tips for an easy shrimp dish. You learned how to cook shrimp, choose seasonings, and garnish your meal beautifully. Remember, you can adjust flavors and try variations to fit your tastes. Whether for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this dish is simple and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking and impress your loved ones with this tasty recipe!$

Elevate your dinner plans with this Quick & Zesty Shrimp Scampi that's bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, garlic, and tangy lemon, all brought together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion, it's sure to impress. Ready to delight your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next dinner unforgettable!

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

Incorporate Tomatoes & Lemon: Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, stir in the lemon juice and zest. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.

Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until well combined. Add the chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi, garnishing with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4