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- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon (for a vibrant garnish) - Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving When I make Quick Shrimp Scampi Pasta, I love to use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp makes a big difference in flavor. I always check if the shrimp are firm and smell like the sea. Next, I choose linguine for its great texture. If you prefer spaghetti, that works too! The pasta should cook until it's al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. Unsalted butter is key for a rich taste. Garlic adds a nice kick, and the red pepper flakes give it a little heat. You can adjust the heat to your liking. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. I love how the lemon makes the shrimp pop. The broth adds depth, while fresh parsley brings a touch of color and freshness. Finally, salt and pepper are important. They enhance all the flavors. If you like cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan on top for extra goodness. For the full recipe, check out the details and enjoy this simple yet tasty dish! Boiling Water and Timing Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes, until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Reserving Pasta Water Before you drain the pasta, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and helps to make the sauce smooth. Set it aside for later. Drain the pasta carefully in a colander. Sautéing Garlic and Adding Shrimp In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown. Then, gently add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Seasoning Tips for Perfect Flavor While the shrimp cook, sprinkle on salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Adjust this based on your taste. Adding Broth and Lemon Juice Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and the juice of 1 lemon. Stir the mixture well. Make sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth to your sauce. Simmering for Flavor Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. Tossing Pasta with Sauce Now, lower the heat to a gentle warmth. Carefully add the drained pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well-coated. Adjusting Consistency with Pasta Water If the pasta looks dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve the right sauce consistency. Keep adding until you're happy with it. Mixing in Remaining Butter Next, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This gives the dish a rich finish. Toss until the butter melts and coats the pasta. Garnishing Tips for Presentation To serve, plate the pasta and shrimp. Garnish with the zest of 1 lemon and chopped fresh parsley. For extra flavor, you can add freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Now, you have a vibrant and tasty dish ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. - Best Practices for Sautéing: Keep your heat at medium. This helps the garlic cook well without burning. Add the garlic first, then the shrimp. This method builds flavor. Make sure to stir often for even cooking. - Importance of Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Using fresh lemon juice makes a big difference too. - Complementary Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad. Garlic bread pairs well too. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli add color and nutrients. These sides balance the meal nicely. - Beverage Pairing Ideas: A crisp white wine works great. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with lemon is refreshing. - Overcooking Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. Watch them closely to avoid this mistake. - Using the Wrong Pasta Type: Stick to linguine or spaghetti for this dish. Other shapes may not hold the sauce well. The right pasta enhances the overall experience of the meal. {{image_4}} You can make quick shrimp scampi pasta healthier by changing a few ingredients. Here are two great swaps: - Substitute with Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free options like quinoa or brown rice pasta can work well too. They both keep the dish tasty while catering to dietary needs. - Low-Calorie Ingredient Swaps: Use less butter or try olive oil instead. Choose low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to cut down on salt. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or zucchini, for extra nutrients without many calories. To make your shrimp scampi pasta unique, try these flavor ideas: - Adding Different Vegetables: Bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes can brighten the dish. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This adds color and taste. - Spice It Up with Additional Seasonings: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper. You can also include herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh twist. A splash of white wine adds depth and richness to the sauce. If you have different diets in mind, here are some adaptations: - Vegan or Vegetarian Alternatives: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or chickpeas for a plant-based option. Use vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free touch. This keeps the essence of the dish while making it suitable for everyone. - Shrimp Substitutes: If shrimp is not available, try using scallops or even firm tofu. Both options absorb flavors well and can give you that satisfying bite. To keep your Quick Shrimp Scampi Pasta fresh, follow these best practices. First, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. Then, store the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat the pasta. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat over low until warm. For the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently as mentioned above to restore its delicious taste. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe if you want to make this dish from scratch! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy this dish in just 20 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for busy nights or when you want a tasty meal fast. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help keep the shrimp juicy. Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp can save time and still taste good. Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Many brands offer tasty options that cook well. Just check the package for cooking times, as they may differ from regular pasta. To make this dish dairy-free, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter. Both options work great to give flavor and help the sauce stick. You can also try coconut oil for a different taste. Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water to loosen it. This makes it quick to enjoy your meal later. For the full recipe, check out the main article. In this blog post, we explored how to make Quick Shrimp Scampi Pasta. You learned about the ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. Remember to cook shrimp just right and use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Don't hesitate to try variations or substitutes to fit your needs. With proper storage, leftovers can be delicious too. Enjoy your cooking adventures and impress your friends with this tasty dish. Cooking should be fun and rewarding!

Quick Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Savor the flavors of this Citrusy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Delight in tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, then tossed with linguine and a vibrant lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining experience today!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon (for a vibrant garnish)

Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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 instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta carefully, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a spacious skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Add the Shrimp: Gently add the deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper as they cook.

        Create the Sauce: When the shrimp are perfectly cooked, pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

          Combine with Pasta: Lower the heat to a gentle warmth. Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure even coverage. If the dish appears dry, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired sauciness.

            Finish with Butter and Parsley: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chopped parsley. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated and the butter has melted, creating a luscious finish.

              Serve: Plate the creamy garlic shrimp pasta onto serving dishes, then garnish generously with lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For added indulgence, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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