Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role. The large shrimp give a sweet and tender bite. The garlic adds a strong, savory flavor. Butter and olive oil work together to create a rich base. The lemon brings brightness and tang to every bite. For seasoning, red pepper flakes add a kick. You can adjust them to fit your taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. The pasta, whether spaghetti or linguine, serves as a perfect canvas. It soaks up the delicious lemon garlic sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese, while optional, adds a nice creamy touch. Gather these ingredients to make a simple and flavorful meal that shines on your table. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook spaghetti or linguine until al dente. - Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. First, you need to boil water with salt. Salt adds flavor to the pasta. Use a large pot, so the pasta has room to cook. The pasta should cook until it's firm but not hard. This is called al dente. After cooking, save one cup of that starchy water. It helps thicken the sauce later. Then, drain the pasta. - Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet. - Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. - Cook until fragrant. In a big skillet, melt butter with olive oil. The mix gives a rich flavor. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook this for about a minute. You want to smell that garlic! It adds a great taste to your dish. - Toss in shrimp, season with salt and pepper. - Cook until pink and opaque. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Make sure to season with salt and pepper. Stir them around and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. This step is key for a tender shrimp. - Squeeze lemon juice and add zest. - Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. - Toss cooked pasta in the skillet. Time for the bright flavor! Squeeze the lemon juice right into the pan. Add lemon zest for extra zing. If your sauce looks too dry, pour in some of that reserved pasta water. It will help create a light sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything well. - Stir in chopped parsley. - Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. - Plate and garnish with parsley and Parmesan (if desired). Lastly, stir in fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and taste. Always taste your dish! You can add more salt or pepper if needed. Once ready, plate your pasta and shrimp. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal! To make the best shrimp scampi, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery and tough. Cook the shrimp until they are just pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them, and don’t walk away! If you like heat, you can change the red pepper flakes to your taste. Start with a little, then add more if you want. If you prefer a brighter flavor, squeeze in more lemon juice. You can never go wrong with extra lemon! Using reserved pasta water is key for a creamy sauce. This water helps bind the sauce and pasta together. Add it slowly until you find the right consistency. Incorporate butter evenly into the mix for a smooth finish. This gives your dish a rich and velvety texture. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp and garlic for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the overall taste of the dish. Adjust Spice Level: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your heat preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder flavor. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help create a creamy sauce consistency. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances freshness. Consider adding lemon slices on top for a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily add vegetables to your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Some great choices are: - Spinach - Cherry tomatoes - Bell peppers Try to pick seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. In spring, use asparagus. In summer, add zucchini or corn. Fall brings great options like squash or mushrooms. Each adds a fresh taste and color to the dish. If you want to change the pasta, there are many options. You can use: - Gluten-free pasta - Whole wheat pasta Other noodle types, like fettuccine or even zucchini noodles, work well too. Each type brings a unique twist to your dish while keeping it delicious. If shrimp isn't your favorite, you can swap it out. Here are some ideas: - Chicken pieces - Scallops For a vegetarian version, try using mushrooms or tofu. Both can soak up the lemon garlic flavor and keep your meal satisfying. To store leftovers, let the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi cool down. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe to eat. If you need to reheat, use a skillet to warm it gently. This method helps maintain the texture. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of pasta water if it seems dry. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light salad with greens and vinaigrette works great. For drinks, a glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish. The wine's crispness complements the lemon and shrimp flavors. Enjoy these pairings for a complete meal experience! Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a bright and flavorful dish. It features shrimp cooked in garlic, lemon juice, and butter. The dish often has a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. This meal balances rich and zesty flavors, making it a favorite for many. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty as fresh shrimp when cooked correctly. You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Instead of butter, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. This way, you keep the rich flavor while making it suitable for a dairy-free diet. Here are a few common mistakes: - Overcooking the shrimp can make them rubbery. Cook until they are just pink and opaque. - Adding too much salt can overpower the dish. Always taste before adding more salt. - Not reserving pasta water can lead to a dry sauce. Always save some to adjust the sauce. The total time to prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is about 25 minutes. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. The cooking time is roughly 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal. This blog post covered how to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We discussed key ingredients and provided step-by-step instructions. You learned tips to enhance your dish, like perfect shrimp cooking and adjusting spice levels. We also explored variations to suit different tastes, along with storage methods. Now, you’re ready to create this flavorful meal at home. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy cooking!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and vibrant shrimp scampi dish with lemon and garlic, perfect for a quick meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large lemon, juice and zest
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Squeeze the lemon juice and stir in lemon zest, combining all ingredients well. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the lemon garlic sauce. Stir in chopped parsley for a fresh flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Plate the pasta and shrimp, garnishing with extra parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.

Keyword pasta, quick meal, seafood, shrimp scampi