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To make shrimp scampi, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) Using quality shrimp makes a big difference. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell fresh. The size matters too. Large shrimp give a nice bite. For the pasta, use linguine or spaghetti. Both work well, but linguine holds the sauce better. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you have lemon zest, it adds a nice aroma. Always use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness. If you can't find shrimp, try using scallops or chicken. They cook well and absorb the flavors nicely. For the pasta, gluten-free options like rice noodles also work. In place of red pepper flakes, use paprika for a milder taste. Fresh parsley can be swapped with basil for a different flavor. If you're out of lemon, vinegar can add similar brightness, though the taste will change slightly. You can find the full recipe to see how to combine these ingredients perfectly. To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve one cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step ensures the pasta has the right texture to soak up the sauce later. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of large shrimp that you have peeled and deveined. Sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Lower the heat to medium again. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the reserved pasta water, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Toss everything gently to mix it well for one more minute. This step combines all the flavors. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, you can serve it up! You can top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. For a lovely touch, add a lemon wedge on the side. Enjoy your shrimp scampi made easy! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make shrimp scampi great, focus on the shrimp. Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best taste. Look for shrimp that smell clean, like the ocean. Keep the shrimp cold until you're ready to cook. This helps them cook evenly. Overcooked shrimp turn tough and rubbery. To avoid this, watch the color. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are done. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes. If you’re unsure, take one out and cut it. It should be white, not gray. Cooking pasta right is key to a good dish. Use plenty of salted water for boiling. This adds flavor to your pasta. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until it's al dente, or firm to the bite. Reserve a cup of pasta water; it helps sauce stick later. For the full recipe, refer to the main article. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to make your shrimp scampi even better. Spinach is a great choice. It cooks fast and adds color. Just toss a handful in the skillet right before you add the pasta. You can also use cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half and add them with the shrimp. They will burst and add sweetness. Zucchini noodles are fun too. They keep it light and fresh. If you want to switch things up, try chicken or scallops. Chicken breast works well. Cut it into small pieces and cook it like the shrimp. Scallops are another tasty choice. They cook quickly and taste rich. Be sure to adjust the cooking time. They only need a few minutes to get golden and tender. For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that taste just like regular pasta. Zoodles or spaghetti squash are perfect for low-carb diets. They bring a nice crunch and flavor. Just spiralize the zucchini or roast the squash before adding your shrimp. You still get a hearty meal without the extra carbs. With these variations, you can customize your shrimp scampi. Explore new flavors and find what you love best. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To store leftover shrimp scampi, first let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When reheating shrimp scampi, aim for gentle heat. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the dish moist. Heat on low until warmed through. In the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps prevent it from drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Freezing shrimp scampi is simple. Portion it into containers or bags. Remember to remove as much air as you can. It can last in the freezer for about one month. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently as mentioned above. This way, you'll enjoy the same great taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! Shrimp scampi comes from Italy. The dish started as a simple way to cook shrimp. It used garlic, olive oil, and white wine. In America, we added pasta. This twist made it a favorite for many. Today, it is loved worldwide for its rich flavor and quick preparation. You can prepare shrimp scampi ahead of time, but keep it simple. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the shrimp and pasta together. Add fresh parsley and lemon juice before serving to keep it tasty. Pair shrimp scampi with light sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Mixed green salad - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus These sides complement the flavors without overpowering the dish. To add spice to shrimp scampi, use more red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and add to your taste. You can also use hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat. Just remember, start small and taste as you go. Choose large shrimp for shrimp scampi. Look for shrimp that is fresh, firm, and has a clean smell. If buying frozen, check for signs of freezer burn. Wild-caught shrimp often has better flavor than farmed shrimp. Always prefer shrimp that is peeled and deveined for ease of cooking. This blog post covered everything you need for perfect shrimp scampi. We started with the key ingredients and how to pick the best ones. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and helpful tips to avoid overcooking. We explored fun variations and how to store your leftovers. In the end, shrimp scampi is a versatile dish. You can easily adapt it for your tastes. Enjoy making this dish and impress your family and friends!

Shrimp Scampi Made Easy

Impress your family with this easy Shrimp Scampi recipe that's fast, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week! With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll create a delicious meal bursting with garlic and lemon goodness. Discover tips for perfect shrimp, pasta cooking secrets, and exciting variations to suit your taste.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and zest. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for another minute.

          Finishing Touches: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

            - Serving Suggestion: Divide the shrimp scampi into bowls, topping with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and a lemon wedge on the side for garnishing.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4