![To create a delicious shrimp scampi, you'll need the following key ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create the rich, buttery sauce that defines classic shrimp scampi. When picking shrimp, look for fresh, firm, and shiny shells. The shrimp should smell like the sea, not fishy. If you can, buy shrimp from local markets. They often have better quality. For pasta, choose linguine or spaghetti made from durum wheat. This type holds the sauce well. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor, while fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish. Fresh parsley gives a nice color and fresh taste. If you want to change things up, here are some ideas: - Butter: Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. - Pasta: Try whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta to fit your diet. - Herbs: Swap parsley for basil or chives if you like different flavors. These substitutions can help you cater to dietary needs without losing the dish's essence. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a generous pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. This will help make the sauce creamy later. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let them melt together. This creates a rich base for the sauce. Once melted, add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent the garlic from browning. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Next, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Raise the heat slightly and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes. This helps blend the flavors well. Finally, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix until the butter melts. This adds a glossy finish to your sauce. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine everything well. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time. This helps achieve your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Serve it warm and enjoy your classic shrimp scampi! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep shrimp juicy, cook them for a short time. Shrimp cook fast. When they turn pink, they are done. Use medium heat and stir often. This helps them cook evenly. A good rule is to cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. If you cook them too long, they can become tough. Add herbs and spices to boost the taste of your shrimp scampi. Fresh parsley is a must for color and flavor. You can also try adding fresh basil or thyme for a unique twist. A pinch of paprika adds warmth and depth. For extra zing, mix in lemon zest right before serving. You can also use a splash of white wine in the sauce for added richness. Serve shrimp scampi in wide, shallow bowls. This shows off the shrimp and sauce beautifully. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top for a fresh look. Place lemon wedges on the side for color and a zesty touch. Crusty bread is great to soak up the sauce. This makes your dish look fancy and makes it more fun to eat. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up your pasta for shrimp scampi in fun ways. While linguine and spaghetti are classic choices, don’t stop there! Here are a few ideas: - Whole Wheat Pasta: This option adds a nutty flavor and is healthier. - Zucchini Noodles: A great low-carb choice, they soak up the sauce well. - Farfalle: The bowtie shape adds a playful twist that kids will love. These alternatives can change the dish's texture and flavor. Mix and match based on what you like or have at home. Want to make your shrimp scampi even more special? Consider adding other seafood. Here are some tasty options: - Scallops: Their sweet flavor pairs nicely with garlic and butter. - Crab: Lump crab meat adds a rich, buttery taste. - Lobster: For a luxurious touch, fresh lobster elevates the dish. These additions can create a seafood medley that impresses at any dinner. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for each type of seafood. If you're looking for a meat-free dish, shrimp scampi can easily go veggie. Try these ideas: - Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add a nice umami flavor. - Artichokes: Canned or fresh artichokes provide a unique taste and texture. - Asparagus: Tender asparagus adds freshness and a pop of color. These swaps keep the dish vibrant and satisfying. You can enjoy all the flavors of shrimp scampi without the seafood. For a full recipe to guide your cooking, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store your shrimp scampi, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When you reheat shrimp scampi, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir often to keep the shrimp moist. Heat until warm, about five minutes is best. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. To freeze shrimp scampi, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently in a skillet, just like before. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Shrimp scampi will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first for best results. Place them in cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well before cooking. This helps remove excess water and keeps the dish flavorful. Some great sides for shrimp scampi include: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed asparagus - Roasted vegetables These complement the light and buttery flavors of the dish. To reduce salt, use low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular broth. You can also skip adding extra salt while cooking. Taste as you go, and adjust based on your preference. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh right before serving. This keeps everything tasty and avoids mushy pasta. A crisp white wine works best with shrimp scampi. Try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the meal without overpowering the shrimp's delicate taste. In this post, we explored all you need for classic shrimp scampi. I shared essential ingredients, like shrimp and garlic, and tips on choosing fresh quality. We covered cooking pasta, making the sauce, and combining everything into a delicious meal. You learned ways to enhance flavors and serve your dish beautifully. Finally, we discussed variations and how to store leftovers properly. Now, you have the tools to create a great shrimp scampi dish. Enjoy cooking and impressing others with this classic favorite!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3b70883b-e5cf-4066-a0e8-7dd6ef17679e-250x250.webp)
Classic Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in the flavors of succulent Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, a quick and easy recipe perfect for any night! With just a few ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and fresh lemon, you can create a mouthwatering dish in just 25 minutes. This recipe is not only delicious but also a stunning presentation for your dinner table. Click through for step-by-step instructions and enjoy a tasty meal that will impress everyone!