![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) When making lemon garlic shrimp scampi, choose fresh shrimp. They taste better and cook faster. The pasta adds a nice base. I love using linguine, but spaghetti works well too. The garlic is vital for flavor. Mince it finely to release its oils. Zest the lemon before juicing. This adds a bright taste. Red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat, but you can adjust the amount to fit your taste. For cooking, unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. Mixing it with olive oil prevents burning. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish. If you enjoy cheese, top your scampi with grated Parmesan for extra taste. You can find the full recipe to guide you through cooking this dish. Enjoy gathering these ingredients and get ready to cook a delicious meal! - Boil water and salt for linguine or spaghetti. - Cook pasta until al dente and reserve pasta water. To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a rapid boil. This step is key for flavor. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Stir it gently so it doesn’t stick. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm yet tender. Before draining, save about one cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce later. - Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet. - Add garlic and red pepper flakes to sauté. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. This mix gives a rich flavor. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about one minute. You will know it's ready when the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter quickly. - Combine shrimp, lemon, and pasta in the skillet. - Toss and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This is a sign they are done. Then, stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp. Mix well to coat the pasta with the sauce. If you want a creamier sauce, add more pasta water. This will help the flavors blend nicely. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. To make perfect shrimp, check for doneness. The shrimp should be pink and opaque. This means they are fully cooked. If your shrimp are large, they may need a little more time. Small shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them. You can boost flavor by adding spices or fresh herbs. Try mixing in some basil or oregano. Another great tip is to marinate the shrimp before cooking. A simple mix of lemon juice and garlic works well. This gives the shrimp a deeper and richer flavor. Lemon garlic shrimp scampi pairs great with fresh bread. You can also serve it with a side salad. For the best taste and texture, serve it right after cooking. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so don’t wait long to dig in! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change the main protein in this dish. Here are two great options: - Substitute shrimp with chicken for a hearty twist. - Use scallops for a sweet, delicate flavor. - For a vegetarian version, try plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets: - For a gluten-free meal, swap pasta for zucchini noodles. They add crunch and taste. - If you're dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan substitute. Want to add a global flair? Here are some fun ideas: - Include ginger or soy sauce for an Asian twist. These give a nice kick. - For Mediterranean vibes, toss in olives or capers. They add saltiness and depth. These variations keep the dish fresh and exciting. You can mix and match to fit your tastes and needs. Plus, they keep your kitchen adventures fun! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Transfer any leftover shrimp scampi to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. After that, the taste may fade. To freeze, portion the scampi into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to label each bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to 1 month. This way, you can enjoy it later. When reheating, do it gently on the stove. Add a bit of water or broth if it seems dry. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Keeping the texture nice is key! Prep time is about 10 minutes, total time is 25 minutes. This makes it a quick dish to whip up when you’re short on time. Yes, just thaw them before cooking for best results. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and taste fresh. Garlic powder or shallots can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable. While the flavor may differ slightly, these options work well in a pinch. Traditional recipes use pasta, but you can make a gluten-free version with alternative pasta. Options like zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti are great substitutes. This blog post covered a delicious lemon garlic shrimp scampi. We discussed key ingredients and the step-by-step method for cooking. You learned tips for perfect shrimp and ways to tweak the recipe for your taste. We also explored variations, storage, and FAQs. This dish is quick and easy, making it great for any meal. Enjoy making it your own and impressing family or friends with your cooking skills.](https://tastytrailblazer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/c333ac51-93d1-4123-8a4d-70f70a141352-300x300.webp)
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in a burst of flavor with this delightful Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and garlic for a dish that's both fresh and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to discover all the steps and make this crowd-pleaser that will have everyone craving more!