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To make easy shrimp scampi, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Using fresh shrimp makes a big difference. Look for shrimp that smell clean and sweet. If you can, buy wild-caught shrimp. It tastes better and is more sustainable. For the butter, unsalted lets you control the salt level. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor. If you can’t find fresh, use jarred, but fresh is best. The red pepper flakes add heat. You can reduce this if you want a milder dish. The chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth is a good swap. If you have a shellfish allergy, try chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. For vegan options, replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth. You can also swap pasta for zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a lighter meal. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients that fit your tastes and needs. For more details on cooking techniques, check the Full Recipe. 1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Cook the linguine or spaghetti until it is al dente. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. 2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic. 3. Add Shrimp: Raise the heat to medium-high. Place the shrimp in the skillet. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and curl up. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken. 5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, mixing the shrimp and sauce with the pasta. Use the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinner. 6. Finish with Butter: Stir in the last 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix until it melts and blends into the sauce. 7. Garnish and Serve: Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve the shrimp scampi warm, right from the skillet or in a bowl. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes - Servings: This recipe serves 4. For a visual guide, I suggest watching a video on shrimp scampi. Look for cooking channels that show step-by-step videos. They can help you see the cooking process and tips in action. You can also find images of each step online to help you visualize the dish. To make your Easy Shrimp Scampi shine, focus on a few key points. First, use fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp work, but fresh has better taste. Next, don't rush the garlic. Sauté it slowly to bring out its sweet flavor. Keep an eye on the shrimp, cooking them just until pink. Overcooking makes them tough. Lemon zest adds a nice touch. Use it for a bright, fresh flavor. Avoid these common errors to ensure great results. First, don’t skip the reserved pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to your pasta. Second, don’t add salt to the shrimp too early. It can pull out moisture and make them rubbery. Lastly, be careful with the heat. High heat can burn the garlic. A gentle sauté is best for a perfect scampi. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Here are a few must-haves for your kitchen: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sautéing - Tongs for flipping shrimp - Ladle for adding reserved pasta water - Zester for lemon zest - Sharp knife for mincing garlic Using these tools can help you create the best Easy Shrimp Scampi. For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of shrimp scampi easily. If you love creamy sauces, add heavy cream or cream cheese. This will give you a rich, velvety taste. For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to make it even bolder. Want a hint of sweetness? Stir in a bit of honey or brown sugar to balance the heat. If shrimp isn’t your thing, try other proteins. Chicken is a great substitute. Cut it into small pieces and cook it until golden. Scallops are another tasty option. They cook quickly and have a sweet flavor. For a plant-based choice, use mushrooms or tofu. They soak up the flavors well and keep the dish hearty. You can adapt shrimp scampi to fit the seasons. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas for a pop of color and taste. Summer is perfect for ripe tomatoes or corn, giving the dish a fresh twist. In fall, consider adding roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for a warm touch. Winter calls for hearty greens like kale or spinach, which add both color and nutrients. Each season brings new flavors to explore with this dish. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This step helps keep the shrimp tender and the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Make sure to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. To reheat shrimp scampi, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring gently. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts. Start with 30 seconds, then check if it’s warm. Shrimp scampi lasts for about three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check back to ensure you have all the details. The best shrimp for shrimp scampi is large, fresh, or frozen shrimp. Look for shrimp labeled as "U20" or "21/25." These numbers indicate that there are 20 or 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. Fresh shrimp has the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water first. Yes, you can make shrimp scampi without pasta. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice. The buttery garlic sauce works well with many sides. To adjust the spice level in shrimp scampi, change the amount of red pepper flakes. For mild heat, use less than a teaspoon. For more spice, add more flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Always taste the sauce as you go. This helps you find the right balance for your palate. For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. In this article, we covered the essential ingredients for easy shrimp scampi, including substitutions for allergies. We also outlined step-by-step cooking instructions and shared timing tips. I provided helpful tricks to avoid common mistakes and suggested tools. Additionally, we explored flavor variations and discussed proper storage and reheating methods. Shrimp scampi is versatile and easy to make. Use these tips to create your perfect dish every time.

Easy Shrimp Scampi

Delight in this easy garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe that brings restaurant vibes to your kitchen! With plump shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and a hint of lemon, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner. You'll love how simple it is to prepare linguine or spaghetti paired with this flavorful seafood dish. Discover how to make this delightful meal that serves four in just 20 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and impress your loved ones tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss together with the shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

            Finish with Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve warm.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the scampi directly from the skillet or in a large serving bowl. Top with extra parsley and lemon wedges for garnish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish.