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For this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, gather the following: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving You need both fresh and pantry items for this dish. The fresh items include shrimp, garlic, lemon, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. These ingredients bring bright flavors and textures to your meal. For pantry staples, you’ll use butter, pasta, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. These ingredients create the rich sauce and base for your dish. If you can't find fresh shrimp, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work as a substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove. For the cherry tomatoes, you can swap them with canned diced tomatoes. Lastly, if you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley will do in a pinch, though fresh is best for flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. When the water bubbles, add your spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package directions. You want it to be al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set it aside for later. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you like heat, the red pepper flakes. Stir it for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Then, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Now, it’s time to add more flavor. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Stir gently for another 2-3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften but not fall apart. Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce. Toss everything until well combined. Finally, add chopped parsley and taste. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve hot and enjoy! When you choose shrimp, look for fresh or frozen shrimp. Large shrimp work best for this dish. Check the color. Bright pink and firm shrimp are ideal. If you can, buy shrimp that is wild-caught. It often tastes better. If you buy frozen shrimp, make sure they are deveined and peeled. For a creamy sauce, use some reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps thicken the sauce. Start with a little and add more as needed. Toss the pasta well with the sauce. You want it to coat the pasta without being too watery. Adjust as you mix; it should be just right! You can add more flavor by using fresh herbs. Basil or thyme pairs well with garlic and shrimp. For a kick, try more red pepper flakes. If you love a citrus taste, extra lemon juice is great. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for color and nutrients. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for best results. Adjust the Spice Level: The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a silky sauce. Make sure to reserve some before draining your pasta. Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on the parsley and Parmesan cheese! They add flavor and a beautiful presentation to your dish. {{image_2}} If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Use one teaspoon for a mild kick. For more heat, add two teaspoons. This change brings a nice balance to the dish. The spice pairs well with the shrimp and garlic. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. Just toss them in when you sauté the garlic. To add more nutrition, mix in some veggies. Cherry tomatoes are already in the recipe, but you can add bell peppers or spinach. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while spinach wilts nicely into the dish. Cook the veggies in the skillet after the garlic. This way, they soak up all that tasty garlic butter. If you're avoiding gluten, don’t worry! Many great gluten-free pasta options exist. You can use rice noodles or chickpea pasta. Both options work well with the garlic butter sauce. Just cook them according to the package directions. Enjoy the same great taste without gluten! After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently for about five minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi for up to three months. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Heat gently before serving. I recommend using large shrimp for scampi. They cook quickly and stay tender. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined. They should have a slight sheen and smell fresh. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp works well too. Just thaw it before cooking. You can prepare some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. You can also sauté the shrimp and mix in the garlic butter. Just keep it cool until you are ready to serve. When it's time to eat, combine everything and reheat on low heat. A crisp white wine pairs well with garlic butter shrimp scampi. I suggest a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the flavors without overpowering them. Enjoy a glass while you cook for a fun experience! You’ve learned how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi from start to finish. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and tasty variations. You can even store leftovers for later. Now you can impress your family and friends with this dish. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it your own!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Delight

A delicious shrimp scampi dish with garlic, butter, and lemon, served over pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta followed by the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  • Mix in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  • Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for garnish.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for desired heat.
Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp