Go Back
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste To make shrimp scampi, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Start with large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for easy cooking. Next, choose your pasta. I like linguine or spaghetti, but you can use any pasta you enjoy. Butter and olive oil create a rich sauce. Garlic adds a strong flavor that makes this dish shine. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat, but you can adjust this to your taste. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. - Vegetables (e.g., spinach, tomatoes) - Additional herbs (e.g., basil, oregano) - Different types of pasta You can customize your shrimp scampi by adding veggies. Spinach and tomatoes work well. If you love herbs, add basil or oregano for more flavor. You can also try different kinds of pasta to mix things up. Each choice can change the taste and feel of your dish. For the full recipe, check out the "Shrimp Scampi Made Easy" section. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Add your pasta, either linguine or spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to check the package for exact cooking times. When done, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Add lemon juice and zest to the skillet with the shrimp. Now, toss in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Mix everything well. Make sure the pasta is coated with the shrimp sauce. Finally, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt or red pepper flakes if you like. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To cook shrimp perfectly, focus on timing. Shrimp cook fast. Overcooking turns them rubbery. Aim for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from heat right away. This helps keep their tender texture. Balancing flavors is key. The bright taste of lemon adds freshness. Use both lemon juice and zest. Add in red pepper flakes to bring heat. Adjust the amount to match your taste. This makes the dish exciting and flavorful. For serving, use a large pasta bowl. It shows off the shrimp and pasta nicely. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and brightness to the dish. Pair your shrimp scampi with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish well. The wine's acidity balances the richness of the butter. One big mistake is overcooking the shrimp. This makes them tough and chewy. Always watch the time closely and remove them as soon as they are done. Another common error is using too much or too little pasta water. Reserve one cup of water before draining the pasta. This water helps bind the sauce and pasta together. It also adds flavor and moisture to the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily enhance the flavor of your shrimp scampi with garlic. Try using more garlic cloves. Instead of four cloves, add six or even eight for a bold taste. You can also switch up the butter. Try using herb-infused butter for a new twist. This small change can really brighten up your dish and make it more exciting. If you like heat, make it spicy! Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. You can start with one teaspoon and add more if you want. For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. This variation is perfect if you enjoy a bit of fire in your meal. To make a lighter version, use less butter or olive oil. You can cut the butter down to two tablespoons and still have great flavor. Consider using whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a healthier choice. These options keep the dish light without losing any taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy exploring these variations! To keep your shrimp scampi fresh, start by cooling it down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps seal in flavors and moisture. Store the container in the fridge. Your shrimp scampi will last for about 3 days. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Glass containers are great for reheating. They do not retain odors like plastic. If you need to stack, use shallow containers. This helps prevent crushing the shrimp and pasta. You can reheat shrimp scampi in two ways: the microwave or stovetop. The microwave is quick but can dry out shrimp. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Using the stovetop is better for keeping shrimp tender. Add a splash of water or broth to a pan. Heat over low heat and gently stir until warm. This method helps keep the dish juicy and flavorful. When reheating, avoid high heat. This can make shrimp rubbery. Always add a bit of moisture. You want the dish heated through, not cooked again. If you want to store shrimp scampi longer, freezing is an option. Cool the dish first, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. Shrimp scampi can stay in the freezer for about 2 months. For best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. This keeps the shrimp safe. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. After thawing, follow the reheating tips above to enjoy your dish. For shrimp scampi, large shrimp work best. I prefer using fresh shrimp when possible. Fresh shrimp has a sweet taste and a firm texture. If fresh shrimp is not an option, frozen shrimp is a good choice too. Look for shrimp that are labeled as "wild-caught" for better flavor. When choosing shrimp, size matters. I recommend shrimp that are 16-20 count per pound. This means you get about 16 to 20 shrimp in a pound. They cook evenly and have a nice bite. Yes, you can make shrimp scampi without pasta. You can serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb option too. They soak up the sauce well and are light and fresh. Another idea is to serve the shrimp over sautéed vegetables. Think bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus. This gives you a colorful dish that is also healthy. Shrimp scampi can last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before putting it in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage. If the shrimp smell sour or look slimy, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your nose and eyes! You can find the full recipe for Shrimp Scampi Made Easy [here](#). This recipe includes all the steps you need for a delicious meal. Shrimp scampi is a delightful dish that combines shrimp, pasta, and bold flavors. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to make it perfect. Remember to choose quality shrimp and season well. Consider adding your favorite veggies or try a lighter version if desired. Storing leftovers properly preserves taste and texture. Enjoy exploring variations to make this dish your own. With practice, you’ll master shrimp scampi and impress everyone at your table. Keep cooking and have fun!

Shrimp Scampi Made Easy

Craving a quick and delicious meal? Try making shrimp scampi! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, pasta, and vibrant flavors for a dish that's sure to impress. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in no time. Explore tips for perfect cooking, customizable variations, and serving suggestions. Click through to discover the full recipe and unleash your culinary creativity!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted.

      Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

        Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

          Add the lemon juice and zest to the shrimp, followed by the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

            Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the chopped parsley until everything is well mixed.

              Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: Serve the Shrimp Scampi in a large pasta bowl, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges on the side for a vibrant touch. Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an elegant finish. Enjoy!