![- Large shrimp: Use 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Freshness is key. Look for shrimp that smell like the sea, not fishy. If you can, buy shrimp from a trusted fishmonger or grocery store. - Garlic: Four cloves of fresh garlic are a must. Minced garlic packs a punch. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid jarred garlic; it just doesn’t compare. - Pasta: I recommend using 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Both pair well with the shrimp and sauce. They soak up the flavors nicely. - Other key ingredients: - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) - Variations in pasta types: You can swap linguine for fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta. Each option brings a new twist to the dish. - Alternative herbs and spices: Try basil or dill if you want a different flavor. They can add fresh notes to your scampi. - Substitutes for butter and oil: For a lighter version, use olive oil or a plant-based butter. This keeps the flavor while cutting calories. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Cooking the pasta: To cook your pasta just right, start by boiling salted water. Use a large pot so the pasta can move freely. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite it. Check the package for exact timing. Before you drain, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps make your sauce smooth later. Sautéing the garlic and shrimp: In a big skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes when the butter is melted. Cook for just about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell good and turn golden, but not burned. Then, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they look pink and opaque. Don't overcook them; they should be tender. Adding lemon and adjusting the sauce consistency: Once your shrimp are ready, stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. If it looks too dry, use some of that reserved pasta water. Add it slowly until you get a smooth sauce that clings to the shrimp. Tossing pasta with shrimp: Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together well. Make sure the pasta is coated in that tasty shrimp and sauce mix. If you want it creamy, add more pasta water until you reach the right texture. The flavors should be evenly spread throughout the dish. Check the Full Recipe for more details. To avoid overcooked shrimp, watch the timing closely. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you see them curl up, they are done. Keep a close eye; shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery fast. Balancing flavors is key for great scampi. Use fresh garlic for a sharp taste. Add salt and pepper to enhance the dish. Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Taste the sauce before serving. If it lacks flavor, add more lemon juice or seasoning. For a beautiful plate, serve the scampi in shallow bowls. Twirl the pasta into nests. Place shrimp on top for a stunning look. A sprig of parsley adds a pop of color. A sprinkle of lemon zest also brightens the dish. Garnishing can elevate your meal. Fresh parsley is a classic choice. You can also use lemon slices for a vibrant touch. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich finish. These small details make your dish appealing and flavorful. {{image_4}} You can easily change up your lemon garlic shrimp scampi to make it even better. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach adds a nice touch of green. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color to the dish. You might also consider adding cream for a richer sauce. This will make your scampi feel extra special. Just stir in a bit of cream after you cook the shrimp. It will balance the zesty lemon and garlic well. If you need gluten-free options, you can switch the pasta. Use gluten-free spaghetti or even zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. For a lighter meal, try using less butter and oil. You can also cut back on the pasta. Instead, serve more shrimp and veggies. This keeps the flavors strong while making it healthier. To store leftover scampi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the shrimp might lose its texture and flavor. When reheating scampi, use the stove for the best results. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. Avoid using the microwave as it can make shrimp rubbery. For a great taste, reheat it slowly. This helps keep the sauce smooth and the shrimp tender. If you want to avoid common reheating pitfalls, check it often. Stop reheating as soon as it’s warm. Enjoy your meal again with the same great flavors from the Full Recipe! What is the best type of shrimp to use for scampi? I recommend using large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea scent. Fresh shrimp gives the best taste and texture. If fresh shrimp is hard to find, frozen shrimp is also a good choice. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined. Can I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi ahead of time? You can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Cook the shrimp just before serving. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. If you store it, the shrimp may become rubbery. To save time, prep your ingredients earlier in the day. What sides pair well with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi? A fresh salad works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread or steamed vegetables. These sides complement the flavors without overpowering the meal. Try a light white wine to enhance the dining experience. How do I make the dish spicier or milder? To spice it up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in fresh chili peppers. If you prefer it milder, use less red pepper or omit it entirely. Adjusting the spice lets you cater to your taste. Can I use frozen shrimp, and how should I prepare them? Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. This saves time and keeps the dish easy to prepare. Breakdown of calories, fat, and macros per serving One serving has about 400 calories. It contains 20 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein. The dish is rich in flavor but should be enjoyed in moderation. Considerations for dietary restrictions (e.g., shellfish allergy) If you have a shellfish allergy, avoid this dish. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a similar style. Adjust cooking times based on your chosen protein. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious meal. Lemon garlic shrimp scampi is a simple yet delicious dish. You learned about key ingredients like fresh shrimp and garlic. I shared tips for perfecting your cooking timing and combining flavors. Variations let you customize the recipe to your taste. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. As you try this recipe, I hope you enjoy the process and the flavors. It’s an easy dish to impress anyone at your dinner table. Happy cooking!](https://feastfulfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/c333ac51-93d1-4123-8a4d-70f70a141352-300x300.webp)
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Savor the fresh flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp, garlic, and a splash of lemon come together to create a delicious dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Learn how to cook the perfect pasta and create a silky sauce that coats each bite. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your family with a gourmet meal tonight!