Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

$- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined) - Linguine or spaghetti (8 ounces, cooked al dente) - Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons) - Olive oil (3 tablespoons) - Garlic (6 cloves, minced) - Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon) - Lemon (juice and zest of 1 lemon) - Vegetable or chicken broth (1/2 cup) - Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved) - Fresh parsley (1/2 cup, finely chopped) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The ingredients for garlic butter shrimp scampi are simple yet packed with flavor. You want to use large shrimp for a nice bite. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For pasta, I prefer linguine or spaghetti. Cook it al dente, so it stays firm when mixed with the sauce. The key flavor comes from unsalted butter and olive oil. These two fats create a rich base for your dish. Minced garlic adds that classic aroma and taste we love in scampi. Red pepper flakes give the dish a little heat. You can adjust this to your liking. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the flavors. The broth adds depth and helps coat the pasta. Cherry tomatoes bring a touch of sweetness and color. Lastly, fresh parsley adds freshness and a pop of green. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper for balance. Each of these ingredients plays a role in making your garlic butter shrimp scampi both tasty and memorable. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by melting the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This mix gives a rich flavor to the dish. Make sure the butter fully melts before you move on to the next step. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot skillet. Stir frequently for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell amazing, but don’t let it burn. A light golden color is what you aim for. Now, raise the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for the shrimp to turn vibrant pink and opaque. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle in the zest. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir gently. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them simmer for about 2 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix it well with the shrimp and sauce. Add chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. Ensure every bite is full of flavor. Serve hot, garnished with more parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh touch. When buying shrimp, look for a few key signs. Fresh shrimp should smell like the sea, not like fish. Their shells should be firm and shiny. Choose shrimp that are still in their shells for the best flavor. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught. They often taste better than farmed shrimp. If you buy frozen shrimp, look for ones that are frozen individually. This way, they won't stick together. Many people enjoy spice in their dishes. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick to shrimp scampi. To adjust the heat, start with a small amount. You can always add more if you like it spicier. If you prefer less heat, skip the red pepper flakes or use less. You can also try sweet paprika for a milder flavor. To make your shrimp scampi even tastier, you can add extra seasonings. A pinch of Italian seasoning can bring out the flavors. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add brightness, too. For a zestier taste, add more lemon juice or zest. You can also sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. Experiment with these options to find your favorite mix! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp over frozen for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; aim for a vibrant pink color and opaque center. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Layer the Flavors: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the shrimp. Perfect Pasta Toss: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. Adding a splash can help to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. {{image_4}} If you need gluten-free pasta, use brown rice or quinoa pasta. These options cook well and taste great. Whole-grain pasta is another choice for a healthy twist. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor to your dish. Try different shapes like penne or fusilli for fun! Want to change up your protein? Scallops are a fantastic choice! They cook quickly and add a sweet taste. Chicken can also work well in this dish. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it until golden brown. Both options will deliver a delightful meal. Incorporating seasonal veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach adds color and freshness; just toss it in at the end. Zucchini or bell peppers give a nice crunch. You could also use asparagus for a spring vibe. Adding veggies not only makes the dish pretty but also adds healthy benefits. To keep your garlic butter shrimp scampi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture and keeps flavors intact. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat them. Use a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir often until it's warm. This method keeps the shrimp tender and the pasta from getting mushy. If you want to freeze your shrimp scampi, it’s best to do so before adding the pasta. Place the cooked shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Press out any air and seal tightly. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as mentioned above. When making shrimp scampi, I recommend using large shrimp. They hold up well during cooking. Popular options include: - Jumbo shrimp: Big and meaty, perfect for a hearty bite. - Peeled and deveined shrimp: Saves time and effort in prep. - Wild-caught shrimp: Offers great flavor and better texture. These varieties ensure you get a tasty meal every time. Yes, you can make shrimp scampi without wine. If you want to skip it, here are some great options: - Vegetable broth: Adds depth and flavor to your dish. - Chicken broth: A nice alternative that enhances the taste. - White grape juice: Gives sweetness and acidity if you prefer. These substitutes work well while keeping the dish delicious. To keep shrimp tender, follow these tips: - Cook shrimp briefly: Only 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. - Use medium-high heat: This helps cook them evenly without overcooking. - Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give them space to cook properly. By paying close attention, you’ll get perfect shrimp every time! In this blog post, we've explored how to make a delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and garlic, plus key steps for perfect preparation. I shared tips on selecting fresh shrimp and adjusting spice levels. You can experiment with different pastas and proteins, too! Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy this dish with friends and family, and don't hesitate to get creative. Cooking is about fun, not just following rules. Dive into your kitchen and start whipping up this flavorful meal today!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish cooked in 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 450 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 lemon Juice of
1 lemon Zest of
0.5 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente

Instructions

In a large skillet set over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt completely and the mixture to heat through.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being cautious not to let it burn.
Raise the heat to medium-high and gently add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn vibrant pink and opaque, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Next, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring gently to merge all the delightful flavors together.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to simmer for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then incorporate the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the luscious garlic butter sauce.
Fold in the chopped parsley and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients harmoniously.
Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

Serve with warm garlic bread for an elevated dining experience.

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp