Go Back
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined The star of the dish! Fresh shrimp brings a sweet flavor and tender texture. - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti This pasta creates a great base for the sauce. It absorbs the garlic butter well. - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Butter adds richness and depth. It helps create a smooth sauce. - 4 tablespoons olive oil Olive oil keeps the butter from burning. It adds healthy fats and flavor. - 6 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives a strong, bold flavor. It is the key to this dish. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) This adds a nice heat. You can use less or more based on your spice level. - 1 lemon, zested and juiced The lemon brightens the dish. The zest adds a fragrant note. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It balances the rich flavors. - Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning. Adjust these to enhance the flavors. - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) This adds a salty, creamy finish. It’s not needed but is a great touch. - Vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes You can add veggies for more color and nutrients. They also add a nice texture. - Different herbs like basil or thyme Fresh herbs can change the flavor profile. Try them to keep it interesting. - Using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta These options suit different diets. They work well with the same cooking method. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cooking the pasta. Follow the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once done, save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water is key for the sauce. It helps bind the sauce and pasta together. Set the pasta aside in a bowl. Next, grab a large skillet. Over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. This mix adds flavor and richness to the dish. Now, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these for 1-2 minutes. The garlic should smell nice and turn a light golden color. Be careful not to burn it. If garlic burns, it tastes bitter and ruins the dish. When it’s time to add the shrimp, make sure they are peeled and deveined. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. Flip them halfway through. You want them pink and opaque, which means they are done. After the shrimp is cooked, pour in the lemon juice and stir in the zest. This adds a bright flavor. Let it all cook together for one more minute. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well. If it looks too dry, add a little reserved pasta water. This helps keep the dish creamy and smooth. Finally, mix in the fresh parsley. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve it hot, with grated Parmesan on top if you like. Enjoy your meal! - Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. They need only 2-3 minutes in the pan. If you cook them too long, they turn tough and chewy. Watch for the pink color and opaque look. That's when they are ready! - Improper seasoning techniques: Salt and pepper are your friends. Add them at the right time. Season the shrimp when you add them to the pan. Taste your dish before serving. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! - Suggestions for additional herbs and spices: Want to spice it up? Add fresh basil or thyme for more flavor. You can also try a pinch of smoked paprika for a twist. These herbs bring a fresh taste to your dish! - Recommendations for balancing acidity: Lemon juice brightens the dish, but be careful! Too much can overpower the flavors. Start with half the juice, then taste. If you want more zing, add a little more. This balance makes every bite delicious! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta until al dente. This ensures it remains firm and holds up well in the sauce. Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic before adding the shrimp. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and parsley can significantly enhance the dish's flavor profile compared to dried alternatives. Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Try using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. Both options will still taste great with garlic butter. If you choose chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it until it's golden and fully cooked through. For scallops, sauté them for just a couple of minutes until they are opaque. If you want a vegetarian meal, consider using mushrooms or firm tofu. Both will soak up the flavors well. You can sauté mushrooms until they are golden. Tofu can be cooked until crispy. This way, you keep the dish tasty without meat. Adding vegetables is a smart way to enhance your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. You can toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes. Spinach adds a nice green color and nutrients. Add it just before serving, so it wilts but stays bright. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Add them along with the shrimp, so they soften. If you need to adapt the dish for specific diets, consider these options. For gluten-free needs, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. Low-carb eaters can enjoy spaghetti squash. Make sure to adjust cooking times for these alternatives to keep everything tender and delicious. To store leftovers, first let the dish cool down. Use an airtight container for best results. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the shrimp moist. Stir often to heat evenly. Avoid using the microwave, as it can overcook the shrimp. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the dish completely. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, move the container to the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat it gently in a skillet. Add a little water or broth to help with moisture. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi even after a long day! To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water and add linguine or spaghetti. Cook until al dente. Save one cup of pasta water. 2. Melt Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. 3. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great. 4. Add Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. 5. Add Lemon: Pour in lemon juice and zest. Stir for a minute to mix flavors. 6. Combine Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well. If it’s dry, add reserved pasta water bit by bit. 7. Finish It Off: Mix in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, with optional Parmesan cheese. This process is simple and quick, making it great for busy nights. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Here’s what you need to know: - Thawing: Always thaw shrimp before cooking for best results. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. - Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh shrimp often taste better, but frozen shrimp work well too. They are usually frozen right after being caught. - Cooking Time: If using frozen shrimp, cooking time may be slightly longer. Ensure they are fully cooked and pink before serving. Using frozen shrimp can save time and make this dish more accessible. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options: - Salads: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish nicely. - Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. - Vegetables: Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli adds color and nutrition. - Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works well with the flavors. These sides enhance the meal and create a delightful dining experience. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. We explored the key ingredients and their roles. You learned the cooking techniques to avoid mistakes. We also discussed variations like proteins and vegetables to customize the dish. Don’t forget how to store and reheat leftovers for later enjoyment. This recipe is simple, versatile, and full of flavor. With these tips, you can create a meal that impresses anyone at your table. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your own twist on this classic dish!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious and quick shrimp scampi dish with garlic butter sauce served over pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Let the butter melt and mix with the olive oil.
  • Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Pour in the lemon juice and stir in the lemon zest, allowing the flavors to combine for another minute.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles in the garlic butter sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Stir in the fresh parsley, mixing everything together. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  • Serve the dish hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if using, and an extra sprinkle of parsley for garnish.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spice preference.
Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp