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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi Quick and Tasty Recipe

by on August 2, 2025
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a quick dish bursting with flavor. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. This recipe combines fresh shrimp with zesty lemon and garlic for a satisfying meal. Plus, I’ll share tips to avoid common mistakes and variations to fit your diet. Ready to impress your family or friends with this simple yet tasty meal? Let’s dive into the details!

To make a tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping) You can swap shrimp for other seafood like scallops or lobster. For a plant-based option, use chickpeas or tofu. Instead of unsalted butter, you can use ghee or a vegan butter alternative. If you prefer a lighter dish, use only olive oil. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in your dish. Fresh shrimp taste sweeter and more tender. Fresh garlic gives a strong, bold flavor. Using a fresh lemon adds bright notes that elevate the dish. Always choose fresh herbs for a fragrant finish. These choices create a dish that is not only tasty but also full of life! To start, cook the pasta. Use a big pot of salted boiling water. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until al dente, as the package says. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Set it over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once melted, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good. Now, add 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After that, it’s time for the sauce. Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well. Then, add the rest of the butter. Let it melt and blend into the sauce. Combine the pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything to coat the spaghetti evenly. If it seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until it looks good. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta in bowls with shrimp on top. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over it. To achieve al dente pasta, follow these simple tips: - Use plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. - Follow the package cooking time closely. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. - Taste the pasta. It should be firm but not hard when you bite into it. - If you plan to mix it with sauce, take it off the heat a minute early. It will cook a bit more when combined. To cook shrimp safely and avoid overcooking: - Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can be used but ensure it’s fully thawed first. - Heat your skillet over medium heat. Too high a heat can cook the shrimp too fast. - Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque. - Remove the shrimp from heat immediately once cooked. This stops the cooking process. To make your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi shine, focus on freshness. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright flavor. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch; chop it right before serving. For a flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. It enhances the taste of the shrimp. Serve in shallow bowls and add extra lemon wedges on the side. This makes for a lovely presentation. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate your dish. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They cook quickly, so watch them closely. Aim for a pink and opaque color, about 2-3 minutes per side. Another mistake is not saving enough pasta water. The starchy water helps bind your sauce and pasta together. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning with salt and pepper. It helps bring out the flavors in your dish. Using the right tools can make a big difference. A large pot is ideal for boiling pasta. A heavy skillet works best for sautéing shrimp. A wooden spoon is great for mixing. A zester will help you get that lemon zest without the pith. Finally, a pasta fork can help you serve the spaghetti without making a mess. With these tools, your cooking will be easier and more fun! {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta in this dish. Gluten-free options like brown rice pasta work well. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just cook any pasta according to the package. The key is to keep the cooking time short for the best texture. For a vegan version, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Use vegan butter or olive oil in place of regular butter. For low-carb, use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of pasta. Both options taste great while keeping the dish light and healthy. You can change the taste by adding different herbs. Basil or thyme can give a fresh twist. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Experimenting with flavors makes the dish unique to your taste. Try adding capers for a briny touch or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet kick. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the shrimp tender. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, but it's best to freeze just the shrimp and sauce. Cooked pasta does not freeze well. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To peel shrimp, hold the shrimp in one hand. Start at the head, gently pull off the shell. You can remove the tail if you like. For deveining, use a sharp knife. Make a small cut down the back. Locate the dark vein and pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean. This method keeps your shrimp fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. If you are in a hurry, run them under cold water. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps them juicy. Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They curl into a C-shape when done. If they curl too much, they may be overcooked. The cooking time is usually 2-3 minutes per side. Always check the color to ensure they are perfect. You can serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up the sauce. A fresh salad with greens and tomatoes pairs well, too. You might also enjoy it with steamed veggies. Pasta is a classic choice, but rice is good, too! This blog post covered the full recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. You learned about essential ingredients and smart substitutions. The step-by-step guide helps you cook shrimp perfectly and achieve great pasta. Expert tips avoid common mistakes and enhance your meal. We also explored tasty variations and smart storage methods. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious dish with confidence. Enjoy making your shrimp scampi!

Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

To make a tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, gather these ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 6 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– Zest of 1 lemon

– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Notes on ingredient substitutions

You can swap shrimp for other seafood like scallops or lobster. For a plant-based option, use chickpeas or tofu. Instead of unsalted butter, you can use ghee or a vegan butter alternative. If you prefer a lighter dish, use only olive oil.

Importance of fresh ingredients and their impact on flavor

Fresh ingredients make a big difference in your dish. Fresh shrimp taste sweeter and more tender. Fresh garlic gives a strong, bold flavor. Using a fresh lemon adds bright notes that elevate the dish. Always choose fresh herbs for a fragrant finish. These choices create a dish that is not only tasty but also full of life!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Detailed cooking instructions for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

To start, cook the pasta. Use a big pot of salted boiling water. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until al dente, as the package says. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Next, grab a large skillet. Set it over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once melted, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good.

Now, add 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

After that, it’s time for the sauce. Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well. Then, add the rest of the butter. Let it melt and blend into the sauce.

Combine the pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything to coat the spaghetti evenly. If it seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until it looks good.

Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta in bowls with shrimp on top. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over it.

Tips for achieving perfect pasta texture (al dente)

To achieve al dente pasta, follow these simple tips:

– Use plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta cook evenly.

– Follow the package cooking time closely. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up.

– Taste the pasta. It should be firm but not hard when you bite into it.

– If you plan to mix it with sauce, take it off the heat a minute early. It will cook a bit more when combined.

Method for safely cooking shrimp to avoid overcooking

To cook shrimp safely and avoid overcooking:

– Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can be used but ensure it’s fully thawed first.

– Heat your skillet over medium heat. Too high a heat can cook the shrimp too fast.

– Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque.

– Remove the shrimp from heat immediately once cooked. This stops the cooking process.

Tips & Tricks

Expert tips to enhance flavor and presentation

To make your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi shine, focus on freshness. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright flavor. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch; chop it right before serving. For a flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. It enhances the taste of the shrimp. Serve in shallow bowls and add extra lemon wedges on the side. This makes for a lovely presentation. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate your dish.

Common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp scampi

One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They cook quickly, so watch them closely. Aim for a pink and opaque color, about 2-3 minutes per side. Another mistake is not saving enough pasta water. The starchy water helps bind your sauce and pasta together. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning with salt and pepper. It helps bring out the flavors in your dish.

Recommended utensils and cookware for best results

Using the right tools can make a big difference. A large pot is ideal for boiling pasta. A heavy skillet works best for sautéing shrimp. A wooden spoon is great for mixing. A zester will help you get that lemon zest without the pith. Finally, a pasta fork can help you serve the spaghetti without making a mess. With these tools, your cooking will be easier and more fun!

Variations

Different pasta options (gluten-free, whole wheat, etc.)

You can change up the pasta in this dish. Gluten-free options like brown rice pasta work well. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just cook any pasta according to the package. The key is to keep the cooking time short for the best texture.

Adaptations for dietary preferences (vegan, low-carb)

For a vegan version, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Use vegan butter or olive oil in place of regular butter. For low-carb, use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of pasta. Both options taste great while keeping the dish light and healthy.

Flavor variations (adding different herbs or spices)

You can change the taste by adding different herbs. Basil or thyme can give a fresh twist. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Experimenting with flavors makes the dish unique to your taste. Try adding capers for a briny touch or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet kick.

Storage Info

Guidelines for storing leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

To store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date.

Best practices for reheating to maintain texture and flavor

When reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the shrimp tender.

Freezing tips for meal prep and future use

You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, but it’s best to freeze just the shrimp and sauce. Cooked pasta does not freeze well. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What is the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

To peel shrimp, hold the shrimp in one hand. Start at the head, gently pull off the shell. You can remove the tail if you like. For deveining, use a sharp knife. Make a small cut down the back. Locate the dark vein and pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean. This method keeps your shrimp fresh and tasty.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. If you are in a hurry, run them under cold water. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps them juicy.

How to tell when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They curl into a C-shape when done. If they curl too much, they may be overcooked. The cooking time is usually 2-3 minutes per side. Always check the color to ensure they are perfect.

What can be served alongside Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi?

You can serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up the sauce. A fresh salad with greens and tomatoes pairs well, too. You might also enjoy it with steamed veggies. Pasta is a classic choice, but rice is good, too!You learned about essential ingredients and smart substitutions. The step-by-step guide helps you cook shrimp perfectly and achieve great pasta. Expert tips avoid common mistakes and enhance your meal. We also explored tasty variations and smart storage methods.

With this knowledge, you can create a delicious dish with confidence. Enjoy making your shrimp scampi!

To make a tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping) You can swap shrimp for other seafood like scallops or lobster. For a plant-based option, use chickpeas or tofu. Instead of unsalted butter, you can use ghee or a vegan butter alternative. If you prefer a lighter dish, use only olive oil. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in your dish. Fresh shrimp taste sweeter and more tender. Fresh garlic gives a strong, bold flavor. Using a fresh lemon adds bright notes that elevate the dish. Always choose fresh herbs for a fragrant finish. These choices create a dish that is not only tasty but also full of life! To start, cook the pasta. Use a big pot of salted boiling water. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until al dente, as the package says. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Set it over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once melted, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good. Now, add 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After that, it’s time for the sauce. Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well. Then, add the rest of the butter. Let it melt and blend into the sauce. Combine the pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything to coat the spaghetti evenly. If it seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until it looks good. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta in bowls with shrimp on top. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over it. To achieve al dente pasta, follow these simple tips: - Use plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. - Follow the package cooking time closely. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. - Taste the pasta. It should be firm but not hard when you bite into it. - If you plan to mix it with sauce, take it off the heat a minute early. It will cook a bit more when combined. To cook shrimp safely and avoid overcooking: - Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can be used but ensure it’s fully thawed first. - Heat your skillet over medium heat. Too high a heat can cook the shrimp too fast. - Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque. - Remove the shrimp from heat immediately once cooked. This stops the cooking process. To make your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi shine, focus on freshness. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright flavor. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch; chop it right before serving. For a flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. It enhances the taste of the shrimp. Serve in shallow bowls and add extra lemon wedges on the side. This makes for a lovely presentation. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate your dish. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They cook quickly, so watch them closely. Aim for a pink and opaque color, about 2-3 minutes per side. Another mistake is not saving enough pasta water. The starchy water helps bind your sauce and pasta together. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning with salt and pepper. It helps bring out the flavors in your dish. Using the right tools can make a big difference. A large pot is ideal for boiling pasta. A heavy skillet works best for sautéing shrimp. A wooden spoon is great for mixing. A zester will help you get that lemon zest without the pith. Finally, a pasta fork can help you serve the spaghetti without making a mess. With these tools, your cooking will be easier and more fun! {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta in this dish. Gluten-free options like brown rice pasta work well. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just cook any pasta according to the package. The key is to keep the cooking time short for the best texture. For a vegan version, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or tofu. Use vegan butter or olive oil in place of regular butter. For low-carb, use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of pasta. Both options taste great while keeping the dish light and healthy. You can change the taste by adding different herbs. Basil or thyme can give a fresh twist. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Experimenting with flavors makes the dish unique to your taste. Try adding capers for a briny touch or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet kick. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the shrimp tender. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, but it's best to freeze just the shrimp and sauce. Cooked pasta does not freeze well. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To peel shrimp, hold the shrimp in one hand. Start at the head, gently pull off the shell. You can remove the tail if you like. For deveining, use a sharp knife. Make a small cut down the back. Locate the dark vein and pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean. This method keeps your shrimp fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. If you are in a hurry, run them under cold water. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps them juicy. Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They curl into a C-shape when done. If they curl too much, they may be overcooked. The cooking time is usually 2-3 minutes per side. Always check the color to ensure they are perfect. You can serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up the sauce. A fresh salad with greens and tomatoes pairs well, too. You might also enjoy it with steamed veggies. Pasta is a classic choice, but rice is good, too! This blog post covered the full recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. You learned about essential ingredients and smart substitutions. The step-by-step guide helps you cook shrimp perfectly and achieve great pasta. Expert tips avoid common mistakes and enhance your meal. We also explored tasty variations and smart storage methods. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious dish with confidence. Enjoy making your shrimp scampi!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Savor the flavors of this Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi that’s perfect for any occasion! This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp simmered in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce with a burst of lemon. Plus, it's ready in just 25 minutes! Delight your taste buds and impress your guests by learning how to whip up this delectable dish tonight.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

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

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Create Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, add in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir well, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, letting it melt and combine with the sauce.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add in some reserved pasta water until reaching desired consistency.

            Finish: Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning as needed.

              Serve: Plate the pasta, ensuring shrimp are evenly distributed. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve immediately in shallow bowls with extra lemon wedges on the side for garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color!