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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Flavorful and Quick Dish

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Here are the ingredients you need for a delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi: - Large shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined - Garlic: 6 cloves, minced - Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup - Chicken broth: 1/4 cup - Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon - Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon - Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon - Salt and pepper: to taste - Linguine or spaghetti: 8 oz - Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges: for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The shrimp gives a sweet flavor, while garlic adds a strong taste. Butter makes the sauce rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth, and lemon juice gives a bright zing. Red pepper flakes add heat, and paprika brings a nice color. The pasta serves as a base, soaking up all those tasty flavors. Don’t forget the parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti once the water is boiling. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After the shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. This helps coat the pasta evenly. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cooking shrimp can be tricky. To know when shrimp are done, look for a pink color. They should curl into a C shape. If they curl into an O shape, they may be overcooked. Keep the cooking time short, about 3-4 minutes, to prevent rubbery shrimp. Always cook shrimp on medium heat. This helps them cook evenly. Want to make your dish burst with flavor? Add herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish. You can also try a pinch of dill for a unique twist. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. A touch of oregano can add depth too. Experiment and find what you love! A great sauce is key to a tasty dish. If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This water has starch from the pasta and will help the sauce cling. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken. Just keep stirring! Adjusting sauce is easy once you get the hang of it. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more later for extra heat! Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Don't skip this step! {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta to fit your needs. Try gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or quinoa pasta. They work well in this dish. For a twist, use different seafood. Scallops, crab, or even mussels can make it special. Each option brings a unique taste to your plate. Adding veggies can make your dish more colorful and healthy. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Broccoli is also a great choice. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This way, they blend into the flavors of the garlic butter sauce. To change the heat level, adjust the red pepper flakes. Use less for mild heat or more for extra spice. You can also try adding cayenne pepper or crushed chili peppers. For a smoky flavor, chipotle powder works well too. Always taste as you go to find your perfect heat. To store leftovers, let your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents strong odors from spreading in your fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. If you want to freeze the dish, portion it into smaller containers. This makes it easier to reheat later. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container. This allows room for the dish to expand when frozen. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up in a skillet over low heat until heated through. For the best taste and quality, eat leftovers within three days if refrigerated. If frozen, try to eat it within a month. After this time, the flavors may fade. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. The best shrimp for scampi is large shrimp. I prefer using wild-caught shrimp. They have great flavor and a nice texture. Look for shrimp that are fresh and firm. Frozen shrimp works too, just thaw them before cooking. You can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready, heat it up and add the shrimp. I recommend cooking the pasta fresh for the best taste. Garlic butter shrimp scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa To make it creamy, add heavy cream or cream cheese. Mix it into the garlic butter sauce after cooking the shrimp. This adds richness and a nice texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor. Garlic butter shrimp scampi can be healthy in moderation. Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories. The butter adds fat, so keep portions small. Serve it with veggies or a salad for balanced nutrition. This blog post covered a simple and tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for perfecting your dish. We explored variations and storage tips to help you enjoy your meal longer. In your kitchen adventures, remember to have fun and experiment. Cooking should inspire creativity and joy. Enjoy every bite of your delicious meal, and share it with those you love!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you crave a dish that’s quick, tasty, and easy to make, look no further! Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is packed with flavor and can impress anyone at your dinner table. This dish features juicy shrimp bathed in rich garlic butter sauce, served over pasta. In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Sauce: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich and zesty sauce that elevates the shrimp and pasta.
  3. Customizable Spice: You can easily adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference, making it versatile for everyone.
  4. Impressive Presentation: Topped with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, this dish looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need for a delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi:

– Large shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined

– Garlic: 6 cloves, minced

– Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup

– Chicken broth: 1/4 cup

– Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

– Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon

– Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon

– Salt and pepper: to taste

– Linguine or spaghetti: 8 oz

– Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

– Lemon wedges: for serving

Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The shrimp gives a sweet flavor, while garlic adds a strong taste. Butter makes the sauce rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth, and lemon juice gives a bright zing. Red pepper flakes add heat, and paprika brings a nice color. The pasta serves as a base, soaking up all those tasty flavors. Don’t forget the parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti once the water is boiling. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Cooking the Shrimp

Next, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After the shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. This helps coat the pasta evenly. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Cooking Shrimp

Cooking shrimp can be tricky. To know when shrimp are done, look for a pink color. They should curl into a C shape. If they curl into an O shape, they may be overcooked. Keep the cooking time short, about 3-4 minutes, to prevent rubbery shrimp. Always cook shrimp on medium heat. This helps them cook evenly.

Enhancing Flavor

Want to make your dish burst with flavor? Add herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish. You can also try a pinch of dill for a unique twist. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. A touch of oregano can add depth too. Experiment and find what you love!

Perfect Sauce Consistency

A great sauce is key to a tasty dish. If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This water has starch from the pasta and will help the sauce cling. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken. Just keep stirring! Adjusting sauce is easy once you get the hang of it.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking.
  2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more later for extra heat!
  3. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
  4. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can switch up the pasta to fit your needs. Try gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or quinoa pasta. They work well in this dish. For a twist, use different seafood. Scallops, crab, or even mussels can make it special. Each option brings a unique taste to your plate.

Adding Vegetables

Adding veggies can make your dish more colorful and healthy. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Broccoli is also a great choice. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This way, they blend into the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.

Spice Level Adjustments

To change the heat level, adjust the red pepper flakes. Use less for mild heat or more for extra spice. You can also try adding cayenne pepper or crushed chili peppers. For a smoky flavor, chipotle powder works well too. Always taste as you go to find your perfect heat.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents strong odors from spreading in your fridge. You can keep it for up to three days.

Freezing Tips

If you want to freeze the dish, portion it into smaller containers. This makes it easier to reheat later. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container. This allows room for the dish to expand when frozen. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

Best Before Consumption

For the best taste and quality, eat leftovers within three days if refrigerated. If frozen, try to eat it within a month. After this time, the flavors may fade. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating.

FAQs

What is the best type of shrimp to use for scampi?

The best shrimp for scampi is large shrimp. I prefer using wild-caught shrimp. They have great flavor and a nice texture. Look for shrimp that are fresh and firm. Frozen shrimp works too, just thaw them before cooking.

Can Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi be made ahead of time?

You can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, heat it up and add the shrimp. I recommend cooking the pasta fresh for the best taste.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

Garlic butter shrimp scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Garlic bread

– A fresh green salad

– Steamed vegetables

– Rice or quinoa

How do I make a creamy version of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

To make it creamy, add heavy cream or cream cheese. Mix it into the garlic butter sauce after cooking the shrimp. This adds richness and a nice texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor.

Is Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi healthy?

Garlic butter shrimp scampi can be healthy in moderation. Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories. The butter adds fat, so keep portions small. Serve it with veggies or a salad for balanced nutrition.

This blog post covered a simple and tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for perfecting your dish. We explored variations and storage tips to help you enjoy your meal longer.

In your kitchen adventures, remember to have fun and experiment. Cooking should inspire creativity and joy. Enjoy every bite of your delicious meal, and share it with those you lov

Here are the ingredients you need for a delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi: - Large shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined - Garlic: 6 cloves, minced - Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup - Chicken broth: 1/4 cup - Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon - Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon - Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon - Salt and pepper: to taste - Linguine or spaghetti: 8 oz - Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges: for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The shrimp gives a sweet flavor, while garlic adds a strong taste. Butter makes the sauce rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth, and lemon juice gives a bright zing. Red pepper flakes add heat, and paprika brings a nice color. The pasta serves as a base, soaking up all those tasty flavors. Don’t forget the parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh finish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add 8 oz of linguine or spaghetti once the water is boiling. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely. Once the butter is melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After the shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. This helps coat the pasta evenly. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cooking shrimp can be tricky. To know when shrimp are done, look for a pink color. They should curl into a C shape. If they curl into an O shape, they may be overcooked. Keep the cooking time short, about 3-4 minutes, to prevent rubbery shrimp. Always cook shrimp on medium heat. This helps them cook evenly. Want to make your dish burst with flavor? Add herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish. You can also try a pinch of dill for a unique twist. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. A touch of oregano can add depth too. Experiment and find what you love! A great sauce is key to a tasty dish. If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This water has starch from the pasta and will help the sauce cling. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken. Just keep stirring! Adjusting sauce is easy once you get the hang of it. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more later for extra heat! Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Don't skip this step! {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta to fit your needs. Try gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or quinoa pasta. They work well in this dish. For a twist, use different seafood. Scallops, crab, or even mussels can make it special. Each option brings a unique taste to your plate. Adding veggies can make your dish more colorful and healthy. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Broccoli is also a great choice. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This way, they blend into the flavors of the garlic butter sauce. To change the heat level, adjust the red pepper flakes. Use less for mild heat or more for extra spice. You can also try adding cayenne pepper or crushed chili peppers. For a smoky flavor, chipotle powder works well too. Always taste as you go to find your perfect heat. To store leftovers, let your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents strong odors from spreading in your fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. If you want to freeze the dish, portion it into smaller containers. This makes it easier to reheat later. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container. This allows room for the dish to expand when frozen. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up in a skillet over low heat until heated through. For the best taste and quality, eat leftovers within three days if refrigerated. If frozen, try to eat it within a month. After this time, the flavors may fade. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. The best shrimp for scampi is large shrimp. I prefer using wild-caught shrimp. They have great flavor and a nice texture. Look for shrimp that are fresh and firm. Frozen shrimp works too, just thaw them before cooking. You can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready, heat it up and add the shrimp. I recommend cooking the pasta fresh for the best taste. Garlic butter shrimp scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa To make it creamy, add heavy cream or cream cheese. Mix it into the garlic butter sauce after cooking the shrimp. This adds richness and a nice texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor. Garlic butter shrimp scampi can be healthy in moderation. Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories. The butter adds fat, so keep portions small. Serve it with veggies or a salad for balanced nutrition. This blog post covered a simple and tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for perfecting your dish. We explored variations and storage tips to help you enjoy your meal longer. In your kitchen adventures, remember to have fun and experiment. Cooking should inspire creativity and joy. Enjoy every bite of your delicious meal, and share it with those you love!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish cooked in garlic butter, perfect for pasta lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
  • Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
  • Remove from heat and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

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

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