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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 fresh lemons - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti When I create Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, I start with the essential ingredients. Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This means they are ready to cook without fuss. I use unsalted butter and olive oil. These fats give the dish a rich flavor. Don't forget the garlic! Minced garlic adds a punch that makes the dish sing. I also add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can adjust this to your taste. For a brighter flavor, I often use optional ingredients. Lemon zest adds a fresh scent. I squeeze juice from fresh lemons to give the dish a tangy kick. Grated Parmesan cheese makes it creamy and rich. Fresh parsley is great for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. To tie everything together, I recommend linguine or spaghetti. Both pasta types work well with the shrimp and sauce. The pasta holds the sauce nicely, making every bite a delight. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook linguine or spaghetti until al dente. - Reserve pasta cooking water before draining. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step helps to flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add your linguine or spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Before draining, save about one cup of the pasta water. This water will help to create a silky sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander. - Season shrimp with salt and black pepper. - Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Next, grab your shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined. Place them in a bowl and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step adds great flavor. Now, take a large skillet and heat four tablespoons of butter along with three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want the butter to melt and start bubbling. - Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. - Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque. - Incorporate lemon zest and juice. Once the butter melts, toss in four minced garlic cloves and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture for about one minute. The goal is to make the garlic fragrant without letting it brown. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about two to three minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque, which tells you they are done. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep an eye on them! Now, sprinkle in the zest of one lemon and pour in the juice of two fresh lemons. Stir well to coat the shrimp. Let this cook for one more minute to meld the flavors together. The bright lemon will balance the richness of the butter and oil. To avoid overcooking shrimp, cook them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the pink color and opaque texture. This shows they are ready. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. So, watch them closely! Reserving pasta water is key. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta. As you mix your dish, add a splash if it seems dry. It makes the sauce creamy and rich. You can adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes. If you like heat, add more flakes. For a milder dish, use less. Start with one teaspoon, then taste and adjust. This way, everyone enjoys their meal. To enhance the flavor, add more lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you want a zesty kick, squeeze in a bit extra. It makes the shrimp taste fresh and vibrant. For a vibrant dish, serve it in a large, shallow bowl. The pasta and shrimp look great together. You can add lemon wedges on the side for color. Garnishing with parsley adds freshness. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving. It makes your dish pop and smell great. A touch of lemon zest can also brighten the look! {{image_4}} You can switch up the seafood in this dish. Scallops or lobster work great. They add a sweet and rich flavor. If you want more veggies, toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes. They add color and nutrients, making the dish even better. Not everyone can eat regular pasta. You can use gluten-free linguine or spaghetti. Zoodles, made from zucchini, are a fun choice too. They keep the dish light and fresh while still being tasty. Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of white wine. It adds depth and richness. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They bring a lovely aroma and taste to the dish. To keep your shrimp scampi fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Make sure to use it within two days for the best taste. When reheating, avoid overcooking the shrimp. This keeps them tender and juicy. Use the stovetop for even heating. Just warm it slowly over low heat. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts to prevent cooking it too much. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, but it may change texture. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the shrimp from getting tough. Reheat it gently for the best results. Making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is quick and easy. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 20 minutes - Total time: 30 minutes You can have a beautiful meal ready in half an hour! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Here are some tips: - Thaw the shrimp: Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. - Dry well: After thawing, pat them dry to help them cook evenly. Using frozen shrimp can still yield a tasty dish if you prepare them right! You can pair this dish with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus add color and nutrition. - Simple salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness. These sides will enhance your meal and create a lovely presentation! In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to enhance your dish. You learned about optional ingredients and how to store or reheat leftovers. Whether you stick to shrimp or explore variations with different seafood or vegetables, enjoy the flavors. This dish is easy to customize, so make it your own. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, and I hope you give this recipe a try!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Savor the delightful flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with this easy and delicious recipe! Learn how to perfectly cook shrimp and pasta in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce, all in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Don't miss out on creating this vibrant meal that will impress everyone at your table. Click through to explore the recipe and elevate your cooking!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 fresh lemons

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package's instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use, drain the pasta, and set it aside in a colander.

    Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for optimal flavor.

      Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but has not yet browned.

        Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, making sure they are in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely pink hue and are opaque. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain a tender texture.

          Add Lemon Flavor: Sprinkle in the lemon zest and pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to ensure the shrimp is beautifully coated. Allow it to cook for an additional minute so the flavors meld.

            Combine with Pasta: Gently add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together thoroughly. If the mixture looks too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

              Final Touches: Take a moment to taste the shrimp scampi and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

                Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Platter the scampi adorned with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. If you fancy, finish with a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve this vibrant dish in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges artfully arranged on the side for a refreshing zest and a pop of color!