![To make lemon garlic shrimp scampi, gather these key items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients create a bright and tasty dish. The shrimp provides protein, while the lemon adds freshness. Butter and olive oil give the sauce a rich taste, and garlic brings a warm aroma. You can add some optional items for extra flavor: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Red pepper flakes can spice up the dish. Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch that many love. Feel free to adjust based on your taste! To prepare this dish, use these tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sautéing shrimp - Colander for draining pasta - Tongs or a spatula for mixing These tools help you cook efficiently. A large pot ensures the pasta cooks well, while a skillet allows for even cooking of the shrimp. Each tool plays an important role in making this dish a success. For the full recipe, check the instructions provided earlier. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water; this helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your linguine or spaghetti. Follow the package instructions and cook until it is al dente. This typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save about one cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and will help your dish later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet. Let them melt together. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture for about one minute. You want to smell that lovely garlic aroma. Now, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn a lovely pink and opaque color when done. When the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to add some zing! Pour in the lemon zest and juice. Gently toss the shrimp in this mixture to coat them evenly. The lemon will brighten the dish and add a fresh taste. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together well, mixing the pasta and shrimp. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water. This will help to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Now, you're ready to enjoy a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! For the complete recipe, click on [Full Recipe]. When picking shrimp, look for a few key signs. Choose shrimp that smell fresh, like the sea. Their shells should be shiny and firm. If you see black spots, skip those shrimp. Fresh shrimp should be pinkish or gray, depending on the type. Always buy shrimp from trusted sources. If possible, ask about their catch date. It helps ensure you get the freshest shrimp for your dish. Shrimp cook quickly, so timing is key. I like to sauté shrimp for even cooking. Use medium heat and watch closely. Shrimp turn pink and opaque when done. This usually takes just 2 to 3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding your pan. Cook shrimp in batches if needed. This way, they sear nicely and don’t steam. For a different flavor, grill or broil shrimp. Both methods add a nice char. To boost flavor, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil work great. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. For a richer taste, try adding white wine while cooking. It helps deglaze the pan and adds depth. You can also play with citrus. Lime or orange zest can add a fun twist. For the full recipe, check out the zestiness of lemon garlic shrimp scampi to see how these tips come together deliciously! {{image_2}} You can change up the sauce for your shrimp scampi. Instead of lemon, try lime for a fresh twist. Use white wine for more depth. Add a splash of soy sauce for a hint of umami. For a creamy touch, mix in some heavy cream. Each option gives the dish a new flavor. Need a gluten-free option? Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. If you don’t have shrimp, chicken or scallops work well too. Just adjust cooking times to match your ingredients. Boost the nutrition by adding veggies. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers blend nicely. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding shrimp. You can also mix in cooked peas or asparagus for color and crunch. This makes your dish heartier and more colorful. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! After enjoying this dish, store your leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact and ready for your next meal. To reheat shrimp scampi, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Gently warm it up, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, but cover the dish. Heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If you want to save scampi for later, consider freezing it. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender. For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. The best type of shrimp for scampi is large shrimp. I recommend using 16-20 count shrimp. This size cooks evenly and has a nice bite. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you choose frozen, make sure to thaw them first. Always look for shrimp with a firm texture and a sweet smell. Yes, you can make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them separately from the pasta. This helps keep the pasta from getting soggy. When you are ready to serve, just reheat the shrimp and sauce. Then toss it with fresh pasta. It will taste almost as good as when cooked fresh. Shrimp scampi pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - A fresh garden salad - Rice or risotto - A glass of white wine These sides will complement the flavors of the shrimp scampi perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the details above. You learned about making a tasty shrimp scampi. We covered the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking tips. I shared ways to customize and enhance your dish. You also learned how to store leftovers and easily reheat them. By using fresh shrimp and the right techniques, you can enjoy amazing flavors. Remember to have fun experimenting with different sauces and veggies. Happy cooking!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6a536688-41c8-45a1-83a6-514b30ab5f52.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
Add Lemon Flavor: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly in the lemon-garlic sauce.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4