Easy Shrimp Scampi

$- Large shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined - Pasta choice: 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - Flavor enhancers: garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon - Cooking essentials: butter and olive oil - Optional garnishes: fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese When making shrimp scampi, the right ingredients make all the difference. I love using large shrimp for their juicy texture. You can find them fresh or frozen. Just remember to peel and devein them before cooking. Next, choose your pasta. I prefer spaghetti or linguine, as they soak up the sauce well. Cooking the pasta perfectly is key. You want it al dente for the best bite. Now, let’s talk about flavor. Garlic is a must-have. It gives shrimp scampi its signature taste. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can adjust the heat based on your taste. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish, adding freshness and zing. For cooking, I use both butter and olive oil. This combo creates a rich flavor and helps cook the shrimp evenly. Finally, don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese takes it to the next level. - Alternative seafood options for shrimp - Gluten-free pasta options - Replacing butter with olive oil for a healthier version If you can’t find shrimp, you can swap it for scallops or even cooked chicken. Both options work well with the sauce. For those needing gluten-free choices, many brands offer gluten-free pasta. These options cook similarly to regular pasta, so feel free to use them. If you want a healthier dish, try using only olive oil instead of butter. This change keeps the flavor while cutting back on saturated fat. If you want the full recipe, check out the details above. Happy cooking! First, fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is key because it helps flavor the pasta. Next, add your spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Once the pasta is done, drain it but save about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will help your sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter and 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell great, but don’t let it brown. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. This shows they are perfectly cooked. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for another 2 minutes until they soften. Then stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon for a fresh flavor. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water. This helps create a nice, saucy blend. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Use tongs to gently toss everything together. Add ½ cup of chopped parsley and taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Your Easy Shrimp Scampi is now ready to serve! To make perfect shrimp scampi, first, check the shrimp. When cooked, they should turn bright pink and opaque. This color change means they are done. If they are gray or translucent, keep cooking them. Next, balance your seasoning. Shrimp need salt and pepper to shine. Add lemon juice for a zesty kick. Taste your sauce before serving to make sure it is just right. Pasta water plays a big role in your sauce. It is starchy and helps thicken the sauce. If your sauce seems too thin, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will create a nice, smooth texture that clings to the shrimp. Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Mince your garlic, chop parsley, and halve your tomatoes. This makes cooking faster and easier. Cook the pasta and shrimp at the same time. While your pasta boils, sauté the shrimp. This saves time and keeps everything fresh. Using a one-pan method cuts down on cleanup. After cooking the shrimp, toss in the pasta directly. One pan means less mess and more flavor in every bite. {{image_4}} You can switch up your shrimp scampi in fun ways. A classic dish uses garlic and butter, but modern tweaks add new flavors. Here are some ideas: - Adding white wine: This gives the dish a nice depth. Use a dry white wine for the best taste. - Introducing veggies: Think about adding spinach or zucchini. They add color and nutrients. - Spicy versions: If you like heat, add chili flakes. It makes the dish exciting! Sometimes, you might need a different approach. Here are some ways to make shrimp scampi fit your diet: - Low-carb options: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. It keeps the dish light and fresh. - Dairy-free alternatives: If you need to avoid dairy, try coconut milk for a creamy sauce. - Vegetarian adaptations: You can use mushrooms or tofu in place of shrimp. Both options taste great and soak up the flavors well. These variations make shrimp scampi a versatile dish. You can enjoy it your way! For the full recipe, check out the link above. To keep shrimp scampi fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools completely before sealing. Refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to avoid soggy shrimp, keep the pasta separate. This way, both the shrimp and pasta stay fresh longer. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They help maintain the flavor and texture. If you plan to eat it later, consider portioning it out for easier meals. When reheating shrimp scampi, avoid the microwave if possible. It can overcook the shrimp. Instead, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. To enhance flavor, add a little extra lemon juice or fresh parsley while reheating. This brightens the dish and keeps it fresh. Enjoy your meal just as if it were freshly made! You can make shrimp scampi in about 30 minutes. The prep time is just 10 minutes. Cooking the shrimp and pasta takes around 20 minutes. This quick meal fits perfectly into a busy evening. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 20 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help them cook evenly. Shrimp scampi pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread for dipping. - A fresh green salad for crunch. - Steamed or roasted veggies for color and flavor. - Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. For the full recipe, check out the Quick & Zesty Shrimp Scampi above. It includes all the steps and tips you need to make this delicious dish. This blog post covered how to make easy shrimp scampi. We detailed essential ingredients like shrimp, pasta, and garlic. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to perfect your dish. We also explored variations and storage tips for leftovers. In summary, shrimp scampi is simple and quick. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this dish your own. Happy cooking!$

Savor the flavors of this Quick & Zesty Shrimp Scampi that brings the taste of the ocean to your table in just 30 minutes! With perfectly sautéed shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty lemon sauce, this dish is sure to impress. Learn how to make this delicious meal step by step with our easy recipe, perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and whip up a dinner that delights!

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, making sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing them to meld together. Once the mixture is hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Add the Shrimp: Carefully add the prepared shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they turn a beautiful pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

Incorporate Tomatoes & Lemon: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes until they start to soften. Following this, stir in the lemon juice and zest. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency, ensuring a luscious sauce.

Toss with Pasta: Gently add the drained pasta to the skillet, using tongs to toss everything together until well mixed. Incorporate the chopped parsley and taste—adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed to ensure that the flavors are balanced.

Serve: Plate the zesty shrimp scampi onto serving dishes, garnishing generously with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra layer of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an impressive touch, serve the dish in large, shallow bowls, and drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before serving. Add a lemon wedge on the side for an added burst of color and flavor!