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To make this dish, you need some key ingredients. Here they are: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat) - Zest and juice from 1 fresh lemon - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 pound spaghetti or linguine - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The shrimp cook quickly, and the garlic adds a great aroma. You can add your touch to this dish. Here are some optional ingredients: - Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color - Spinach or kale for some greens - White wine for added depth of flavor - Capers for a briny taste Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. Each addition changes the dish and makes it special. To cook Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi, you need a few essential tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sautéing - Cutting board and knife for prep - Slotted spoon or tongs for serving Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. You can focus on enjoying the cooking process and the tasty meal ahead. For the full recipe, check the link above. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. Next, drop in the spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of the pasta water. Keep the drained pasta aside for now. Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil into the skillet. Let them melt together until they start to bubble. This only takes a minute. Now, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells good and turns a light golden color. Be careful not to burn it. After that, add in the shrimp. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn them often, so they cook evenly. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add the zest. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. Now, it's time to add the pasta. Toss the cooked spaghetti or linguine into the skillet. Mix it gently with the shrimp and garlic sauce. If it looks dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help create a nice sauce. Mix until everything is well coated. Serve your garlic shrimp scampi hot. Enjoy it with fresh parsley on top. If you like, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe](#) for details! When choosing shrimp, freshness is key. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean. They should be firm to the touch and have a shiny shell. Avoid shrimp with a strong, fishy smell or dull coloring. If you can, buy shrimp that is wild-caught. They usually taste better than farmed shrimp. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chilies for a kick. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper. Adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Experiment with flavors to find what you like best. Lemon juice adds zest, making the dish fresh and lively. Meal prep can save time. Chop the garlic and parsley ahead of time. You can also peel and devein the shrimp in advance. Store shrimp in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Cook the pasta while you prepare the sauce. This way, you will have everything ready in about 20 minutes. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can add veggies to your garlic shrimp scampi for extra taste and color. Some great options are cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. Simply slice them and add them to the pan when you cook the garlic. Cook for a few minutes until they soften up. This way, you get a balanced meal with more nutrients. For a creamy twist, add heavy cream to your sauce. After you sauté the garlic, pour in about half a cup of cream. Stir it in well to combine. This will give your dish a rich and smooth texture. You can also mix in some grated cheese for even more creaminess. If you want a gluten-free dish, swap out pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. They cook fast and soak up the sauce well. For a low-carb option, these alternatives are perfect. They keep the meal light while still being tasty. You can enjoy garlic shrimp scampi without the carbs and still feel satisfied. Feel free to explore these variations to find what you love best! Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to make this dish. To keep your Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down to room temperature first. This helps to prevent moisture build-up. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within the next three days. If you need a longer storage option, consider freezing. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the shrimp rubbery. Instead, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to keep it moist. Stir often until everything is heated through. This ensures your meal remains flavorful and tender. For freezing, ensure the dish is completely cool. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date and use it within two months for best quality. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before. This gentle method helps retain the shrimp's texture. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above for the best results. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp firm and tasty. Using frozen shrimp saves time and is often a great option. Garlic shrimp scampi tastes great with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Fresh green salad: A light salad adds freshness. - Roasted vegetables: They add color and nutrients. - Rice or quinoa: These grains complement the dish well. These sides enhance the meal and make it more filling. You can easily skip the pasta. Instead, serve the shrimp over: - Zucchini noodles: A fun, low-carb option. - Cauliflower rice: A healthy alternative that absorbs flavors well. - Simply on their own: Enjoy the shrimp as a stand-alone dish. By changing the base, you keep the essence of the dish while making it unique. For the full recipe, check out the main article! This post covered the easy way to make Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We looked at main and optional ingredients, plus tools needed. I shared step-by-step instructions for great results. You learned useful tips for choosing fresh shrimp and adjusting flavors. Variations let you customize the dish, even for dietary needs. Storage details help keep your meal fresh and tasty. With these insights, you're ready to create an amazing dish. Enjoy cooking!

Easy Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in this savory garlic shrimp scampi that offers a delightful burst of flavors in just 20 minutes! With juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a splash of lemon, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Serve over spaghetti for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this delicious dish at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

6 cloves garlic, finely minced

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

Zest and juice from 1 fresh lemon

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 pound spaghetti or linguine

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, ensuring to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil, allowing them to melt together. Once hot and bubbling, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being cautious not to let it burn.

      Add Shrimp: Introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning the shrimp occasionally with a spatula until they become pink, opaque, and are fully cooked.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour in the fresh lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. Gradually toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing it with the shrimp and garlic sauce until well coated. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

          Garnish and Serve: Transfer servings of the garlic shrimp scampi onto plates. Top each dish with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped parsley and, if desired, a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance flavor.

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

              - Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.