Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

$To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth - ½ cup heavy cream - 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a rich and tasty dish. The shrimp brings a sweet, juicy bite. Garlic adds a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. Butter creates a silky sauce. Lemon brightens the flavor and adds a refreshing twist. Red pepper flakes give a hint of heat, while chicken broth and cream create a creamy base. Using fresh parsley not only adds color but also a touch of freshness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, the pasta acts as the perfect vessel, soaking up the delicious sauce. With these ingredients, you’re set to impress anyone at your table! To cook the pasta, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta but save 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Next, prepare the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. This simple step makes a big difference in flavor. Make sure every shrimp gets coated well. Now it's time to make the garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about 1 minute until they smell great. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell sweet, not bitter. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Stir frequently to cook them evenly. After the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to combine everything. Pour in ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth and ½ cup of heavy cream. Stir this mixture well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This helps the sauce to thicken slightly. Next, stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect finish. To get the best garlic butter sauce, start with the right heat. Use medium heat to melt the butter. When you add garlic, stir it quickly. If it burns, the flavor goes bad. Take it off the heat right before it turns brown. For the sauce's thickness, you can adjust it easily. If it feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This makes it creamy without being heavy. Stir well to mix everything. How can you know when shrimp are done? Look for a bright pink color. They will curl slightly too. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Avoid cooking them too long or they will get rubbery. To keep shrimp nice and tender, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if needed. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. What should you serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi? A light salad pairs well. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty side. Both add a nice touch to your meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine works best. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines match the flavors and enhance the meal. Enjoy! {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, consider using chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. Both options cook quickly and soak up flavor well. For a vegan twist, you can make the sauce using plant-based butter and coconut cream. This will give you a creamy texture without dairy. Adding vegetables can boost your dish’s nutrition and taste. Try tossing in fresh spinach or diced tomatoes. They add color and a burst of freshness. You can also experiment with spices and herbs. A pinch of oregano or some fresh basil can elevate the dish even more. While linguine or spaghetti is classic, other pasta types work well. You could use fettuccine or penne for a different shape. If you prefer gluten-free options, look for rice or chickpea pasta. They provide good texture and taste, allowing everyone to enjoy this meal. To store leftovers properly, let the shrimp scampi cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This way, you keep the flavor fresh. The dish lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating. You can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, but it’s best to separate the shrimp from the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays good for about 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Get creative with leftover shrimp scampi! You can make a shrimp salad by mixing it with greens. Another idea is to use it in tacos with fresh toppings. You can even add it to a frittata for breakfast. The options are endless! Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish from Italy. The name "scampi" refers to a type of shrimp. This dish combines shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce. It often includes lemon, herbs, and pasta. Many people enjoy it for its bold flavors and quick prep time. Yes, you can prepare parts of the dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. You can also season the shrimp and make the garlic butter sauce early. When ready to eat, just reheat the shrimp and sauce in a pan. Add the pasta and enjoy! To make a low-calorie version, use less butter and cream. You can replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based option. Use a smaller portion of pasta and add more vegetables. This way, you keep the taste while reducing calories. Shrimp scampi can be spicy, but it depends on your taste. The red pepper flakes in the recipe add heat. You can adjust the amount or leave them out. For a milder dish, skip the red pepper or use just a pinch. You can create a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi using simple ingredients and clear steps. We explored all the key parts, from preparing the pasta and shrimp to making the rich garlic butter sauce. I shared tips to avoid common pitfalls, like burning the garlic or overcooking the shrimp. You also learned ways to store leftovers and even switch up ingredients. Don't hesitate to get creative with this dish and enjoy every bite! Cooking can be fun and rewarding when you follow these easy steps.$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A delicious shrimp scampi dish with garlic butter sauce served over pasta.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon zested and juiced
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
0.5 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Increase heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Use tongs to mix gently, ensuring the shrimp and sauce evenly coat the pasta.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Plate the shrimp scampi hot, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, scampi, shrimp